Envy Is the Refuse of Discontent

Week 20, Thursday

Cathy Horner

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Advertisers are so slick. Their primary tactic is to convince the average consumer that life is dissatisfying until he or she possesses a certain product. Therefore, advertisement campaigns use attractive models, beautiful scenery, and plenty of bling to lure people into making a purchase. Why do we succumb? Because comparing and coveting come naturally when people are discontent with themselves and their lives.

Women, particularly, seem to be preoccupied with comparing. We check out other women’s hair, clothes, houses, husbands, children, friends, and jobs. Left unguarded, our hearts can find something to envy within every category! Envy makes us begrudge others their prosperity or success, wishing we had what they had. Not only is envy selfish and un-Christlike, if allowed to fester it will sink quickly into anger and self-pity. “Why is the life You have given me so lousy compared to theirs, God?” No wonder Proverbs portrays envy as a cancer that rots the bones!

In my own life, when I trace such complaints to their source, I see I have been duped by the whispers of Satan again! He has made me question the goodness of God. Satan has lured me into thinking the things of this world will bring me the sense of personal worth and the satisfaction I crave. Do I smell a whiff of the Garden of Eden?

At such times, I rush back to the Word of God. When those deceptive whispers from the Enemy creep into my mind, I cling to all that is true about my Savior. Paul calls that process taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Take a look at the strategy I use to combat dark thoughts of discontent and envy.

First, focus on Jesus. He embraced death for me because of my sin, so that I could find forgiveness and eternal fellowship with Him. When He gave His life in exchange for mine, He demonstrated how much I am worth to him. He is my greatest treasure in the world. Daily, I draw my satisfaction from Him through time in the Scriptures and prayer (see Lamentations 3:24).

Second, prepare your heart. When I anticipate spending time with prosperous people, I ask Jesus for His compassion for them as a protection for my heart and mind. How can I envy someone when I desire the best for her? If I am blindsided by comparisons that bring discontentedness, I “deep breathe” Jesus. I whisper His name in petition, exhaling the bad thoughts—selfishness, covetousness, or self-pity. Then I inhale His peace, patience, and joy (see Galatians 5:22-25).

Third, think clear-sightedly. When I start to compare, I remind myself that outward appearances are not what they seem. Behind every face lies disappointment and yearning. My place of greatest contentment is found within God’s will for me (see Matthew 6:33).

Dear Lord, You always know what is best for me. I choose to remember the good things You have given me with thankfulness and contentment. Anything You have withheld is part of Your greater plan. Amen.