THE SPIRIT LUSTETH TO ENVY

If we were to answer the question: “Do you envy anyone”? Most of us would likely answer with a resounding no. However, if we should take a careful look at ourselves we would find that there is envy in all of us and most of the time it is directed at some one. Envy causes us to resent some and admire some. It creates an awareness of the achievements and advantages of others producing in us a desire to possess those achievements and advantages and worst of all it causes hate. When hate takes hold, there is no room for love. James asks the question: Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy”? (James 4: 5). There are many instances of envy in the scriptures, too numerous to mention. We see Joseph’s older brothers first eying him with envy and then hate; because his father Jacob loved him more. Their hatred grew more when his dreams indicated that he would rule over them. This caused them to want to get rid of him, to the extent that some were willing to kill him. Only Reuben wanted to return him alive to his father (Genesis 37). We cannot forget Korah and those who followed him in accusing Moses and Aaron of exercising too much authority over the children of Israel (Numbers 16). There were Ahab and Jezebel who had Naboth killed to possess his vineyard (1 Kings 21). There is the case of Daniel and his fellow Presidents and Princes where they plotted to have Daniel killed. He was thrown into the den of lions (Daniel 6). The chief priests, scribes and elders; because of envy plotted against Jesus how they might put Him to death. They had Him crucified (Matthew 26 – 27: 18).  They did not know and could not have known that they were a part of God’s master plan to bring Salvation into the world and that their envy would be used to achieve this objective. Because the spirit that dwells in us lusteth to envy; God warns us: “Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalms 37:1-9). “Let not your heart envy sinners: but be in the fear of the Lord all daylong” (Proverbs 23:17). “Be not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them” (Proverbs 24:1). The redeemed of the Lord are adopted into the family of God, made Sons of God and heirs of the Kingdom. For this cause there is much envy and hate directed at them; even to their destruction. Therefore my beloved be not proud; seeing you are as sheep among wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful always. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you, doing so with meekness and fear. Envy no one; even as they envy you. Turn to the God of your Salvation: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on God continually. Love you always, with the love of the LORD.

W. Bennett

W. Bennett