Cast Out Envy, the Barrier to Growth in Life

Envy often comes without warning, even with triggers that seem trivial.

That is what happened to me one Sunday, when I joined a walking contest with my coworkers. I left the event early to go to church, so I gave two lucky draw coupons to a friend. “If you win, the prize is yours,” I told her.

That afternoon, I heard that our team had won second place, with a trophy and cash prize. I gave thanks for the extra spending money. Everything felt pleasant, until I heard that the friend I had given the raffle coupons to had won a television.

Whether I liked it or not, I thought of my own television, which was already on its last legs. If I had kept the coupon, that television would surely have been mine. Suddenly I was overcome with envy, and the gratitude I had felt for winning second place vanished just like that.

Envy, a Natural Human Trait

Seeing other people’s achievements exceed our own can stir up envy. It steals our joy, wipes out gratitude, and wastes our time for nothing. Envy not only blinds us, but also hinders our progress in many ways.

Once it lands, envy can grow wild in the heart and mind. If we let it develop, the consequences can be fatal. It was envy that caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him (Genesis 37:9-28) and made Cain willing to kill his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-8).

But on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. – Genesis 4:5

Envy can so easily seep into the heart, regardless of our status or background. The closest example can be found in the church.

When there is a brother or sister who seems greatly blessed, more established, has a thriving business, whose life of ministry is growing, and through whom many people are being helped to become followers of Jesus, are you happy for them? If so, that means you are sincere. Yet there are people who must struggle not to fall into the sin of envy when they see such things.

Envy is a human thing (1 Corinthians 3:3). However, remember that after becoming disciples of Jesus, we are no longer worldly people, but people of God (1 Timothy 6:11).

How we respond to envy, whether by looking only at its negative side or directing ourselves toward something positive, will determine our next steps. If examined properly, envy can actually become motivation for us to strive to do better. We are challenged to evaluate whether we have done our part optimally. If not, then it is only natural that the results we receive are minimal.

Three things we can do to be free from envy:

1. Think about what is good

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

We cannot stop birds from flying over our heads, but we can stop them from building nests on our heads. That wise saying illustrates that we cannot prevent negative thoughts from coming, but that does not mean we have to be ruled by them. Instead of envying someone else’s success, think that they deserve it. They are diligent, hardworking, faithful, sociable, and confident, so it is only fitting that they achieve so many good things. The mind is a battlefield; fight to win over it.

2. Be content and give thanks for the blessings of God

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11

Each person has their own portion of blessing. We cannot force someone else’s provision to become ours as well. Learn from Paul, who was content in every situation, whether in abundance or in lack. Do not always look upward; look downward as well so that we do not lose ourselves.

True, I did not get a television, but I could give thanks for the bonus of several hundred thousand rupiah that became my share. Was that not better than the other participants who had worked so hard to practice but did not receive any prize at all?

3. Make yourself open to correction

“And let us consider one another in order to spur one another on in love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24

When we have already prayed but envy still disturbs us, perhaps it is time to ask for help from someone with strong faith. Perhaps our sickness of envy has become acute and needs extra help. This does not mean God is unable to help; rather, He wants to help us through other people. Perhaps God wants us to humble ourselves by opening ourselves to correction.

When I became aware of my envy about that television, I asked my husband to help straighten out my thinking. “Because you already gave your raffle coupon to your friend, it became fully her right,” my husband said. “If she won, that was her provision, or think of it this way: you had blessed her.”

After that, I felt better and was even glad that I could be a blessing to someone else. When we are open and make ourselves available for correction, our negative feelings and thoughts can be changed into positive ones.

So, get rid of envy at once before it becomes a disease that spreads through our hearts and minds. Let us think positively about others, be content and give thanks for the blessings of God, and do not hesitate to ask for help to overcome it if needed. May you enjoy a life full of gratitude to God!

* Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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