First and foremost, let's talk about how envy affects our interactions and relationships with each other. In today's society-especially in the United States, China, Japan, and other culturally individualistic nations-competition is strongly encouraged. Everywhere we turn, we find the trace of competition. We find it in schools, at work, at home, and even in church. Children, even at a young age, start to pick up on this implied "need" imposed by society itself, to compete against other classmates for the best grades, teacher approval, and recognition. At work, the same thing happens. Employees are always looking for ways to get ahead in the game. Ways to successfully climb the "corporate ladder"-so to speak. Now, please don't misinterpret what I'm trying to say. There's absolutely nothing wrong with earning a living with an honest day's work. As long as it's not done with the intention of taking someone else's job.
You see, competition doesn't always bring the best in us. As a matter of fact, more often than not, it leads to resentment, hostility, and even envy towards a given person. And if such feelings are not properly addressed, they could ultimately lead to catastrophic consequences. Allow me to give you a few examples:
Satan, once known as Lucifer-God's highest ranking angel-envied God's glory and majesty and coveted His position in Heaven. Envy took a hold of his heart with such strength, that he invaded heaven, and tried to overthrow God's Kingdom, and take His place. Needless to say, satan was utterly unsuccessful. For no one is greater or more powerful than the Lord God. Satan was then expelled from heaven; along with 1/3 of the angels of heaven, known as fallen angels and/or demons, who joined him in such hopeless feat. Satan and his accomplices have been judged, and sentenced to utter defeat and destruction, to be carried out when the Lord returns. The Righteous Judge will then judge both His people, and the nations according to their deeds.
(May the Lord have mercy upon us on that glorious day.)
Miriam and Aaron-Moses' wife and brother respectively-also allowed envy to enter their hearts, due to the position Moses held as leader of the people of Israel in their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. They envied Moses' ministry; and even his close friendship and fellowship with the Lord God Almighty. As a result, Miriam was struck with leprosy throughout her entire body, and consequently, had to stay outside the Israelite camp for seven days. Thus, remaing completely isolated from the others, until she was made clean again. This can be seen in the book of Numbers chapter 12, verses 2-15 (New Living Translation of the Bible):
"They said: Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn't He spoken through us too?" "But the Lord heard them. (Now Moses was very humble-more humble than any other person on earth.)
So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said: "Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!" "So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle." "Aaron and Miriam!" "He called, and they stepped forward. And the Lord said to them: 'Now listen to what I say:
"If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions.
I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust.
I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as He is.
So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?"
"The Lord was very angry with them, and He departed. As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her, he cried out to Moses, ' Oh, my master! Please don't punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed. Don't let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.' "So Moses cried out to the Lord, " O God, I beg you, please heal her!" "But the Lord said to Moses, "If her father had done no more than spit on her face, wouldn't she have been defiled for seven days? So keep her outside the camp for seven days, and after that she may be accepted back."
"So Miriam was kept outside the camp for seven days, and the people waited until she was brought back before they traveled again." (Numbers 12:2-15)
"So Miriam was kept outside the camp for seven days, and the people waited until she was brought back before they traveled again." (Numbers 12:2-15)
Moral of the story? Let us not be envious of one another. Let us not sin against the Lord-and each other-by allowing envy to pollute our hearts. Instead, let us be humble before the Lord; cooperating with one another, always making ourselves available for service. Let us rejoice in serving each other. Let us rejoice in serving the Lord with purity of heart, and gladness of the spirit. Let us worship the Lord with our actions and deeds. Let us bring praise to His Name by placing the needs and interests of others ahead of our own. Let us rejoice in each other's victories. And let us be glad in spirit and in truth, in one anothers' growth and progress in our walk with Christ. Thus, acting like true sons and daughters of God, through Jesus Christ.
This is my sincere and heartfelt prayer for the church of Jesus Christ:
Oh Lord Jesus!
Let us be one as You and the Father are one;
Let us love and serve one another in genuine truth. Thus, displaying our love and faithfulness towards you.
Let us work together with the sole purpose of letting Your Light shine through.
Let us seek your face with selfless faith. And let us be instruments of God's everlasting grace.
Let not our hearts be cold. But instead, let us be bold;
To fight the good combat, and emerge victorious and unified in Jesus Christ.
Let us proclaim that your Holy name saves, delivers, and heals.
Let us shout to the four corners of the earth, the Truth that we've been told.
Let us shine the light that we hold for all the earth to see. The Light that gives us victory!
And let us claim the Truth that's been revealed;
That Jesus Christ heals!
He heals the brokenhearted, and attends to the lowly ones.
He is always near those of a contrite heart,
and blesses the ones who are poor in spirit!
Oh Lord!
Let us turn back to you for good! In spirit and in truth!
Let your children come to you, in spirit and in truth!
Let us rejoice in your presence Lord!
Let us turn to you for help!
Let us turn to you for hope!
Let us truly believe in the Truth we've been told!
Let us act accordingly; always searching for hope in Thee.
Please cleanse of our mistakes.
For our sins have been erased! (Hallelujah!)
It is not for my own sake, but in Jesus' name that I pray,
Amen!
All glory, honor, and praise be given to Jesus Christ!
The One and Only One worthy of it all!
From Everlasting to Everlasting!
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