It is good to take in and reflect on the fact, that all our actions and the way we live each day, will affect others here on earth and have individual, personal, eternal consequences. Matthew 6: 19-21 ”Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we have lodging and sufficient healthy food, it is fruitful to be satisfied with Gods gifts and with our honestly earned means, and so reap peace of mind, and general well-being of body and spirit. Jesus Himself said, Luke 12: 15 “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in abundance of things he possesses.”
I wonder if any of us really understand the far reaching havoc that is wrought to personal relationships and upon world affairs, by allowing feelings of envy and jealousy to take hold, and ferment through. When really analyzed, envy is based upon the elevating of self, and most often leads to insinuating slurs toward others. Someone who indulges their envious thoughts, will tend to belittle another, thinking to exalt themselves., The need to hear personal praise and be built up, has often become very important, so when another is praised, it, ‘cuts them to the quick’. Envy is the off spring of pride, and when entertained, does not lead to internal or outward peace, along with good will toward certain others. Envy is often the basis of hatred, cruel deeds, revengeful plans and actions, murderous thoughts and sometimes murder or arranged killings.
Surely no one, wants to stay emotionally bound up, and reap much personal unhappiness, as well as affect others near and far, so drastically? The Bible has much to say about envy and jealousy, with the effects thereof. James 3: 14 – 16 “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hears, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Strong words indeed, obviously these problematic human attributes are not new in human relationships.
It is evident all around us in the world, the result of actions based on pride, jealousy and envy upon relationships. It is also easy to understand, that emotionally envy leads to intense, non-peaceful thoughts , jealousy, fractured relationships and deep unhappiness. Surely over a period of time, such intense feelings and the stress of it all, must impact the physical health of the body, significantly. Proverbs 14: 30 “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. Amazingly modern s science supports such statements in the Psalms and Proverbs and has found that the bones are impacted negatively by poor mental and emotional health. Proverbs 27: 4 “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?”
The humble loving Jesus, gave such a different example, than the envious or jealous person, and spoke and wrought peace, through word and deed, based on selfless love. How He must long for every person on earth to follow His example of loving, selfless living! Philippians 2: 3, 4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Dear God, I pray that my natural sinful, selfish self, does not manifest itself so often, and instead more of the attributes of my loving Saviour, Jesus are manifested. 1Corinthians 13: 4 “Love suffers long, and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.” Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I can be increasingly filled with all His gifts.