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"Charity envieth not." 1 Corinthians 13:4
Once in a Grecian town a statue was erected atop a pedestal to honor
the winner of the public games. One of the hero's rivals was so
filled with envy that he went forth every night to destroy the
monument. After repeated attempts he succeeded in moving the statue
from it's pedestal. It fell, but in the fall he was crushed to
death. Such is the pattern of envy. Left unchecked it will destroy
you.
The scripture records numerous accounts of the results of jealousy
in which a pattern emerges. In viewing another's accomplishments or
possessions, a sense of discontent with one's own possessions
arises. Often it is followed by a sense of ill-will toward the
innocent party simply because of their perceived favored status.
When envy is fed, the results are far-reaching. Friendships have
been severed, fellowship broken and eventually ill-will becomes
hatred. Many accounts refer to people resorting to murder in order
to attain the desired prize.
Our experience with God need not be clouded with envious thoughts of
our brethren. An antidote to envy is to cultivate a thankful heart
and good-will for our fellowman. When we are thankful and satisfied
with what God has given us, we can then rejoice unfeigned with the
successes and blessings of others. When the love of God reigns in
our hearts, we will have charity toward others and there will be no
room for envy.
Henrietta Mears said, "The man who keeps busy helping the man below
him won't have time to envy the man above him--and there may not be
anybody above him anyway."
-Sis. René
Smith |
