Don't Envy Sinners

"The cure for the sin of envy and jealousy is to find our contentment in God.  - Jerry Bridges

Have you ever asked yourself why it appears that sinners and wrongdoers get all the breaks, while the good and God-fearing seem to get the proverbial "short end of the stick?" I admit that I have.

To borrow a catchphrase from the late comedienne and talk show host, Joan Rivers, "Can we talk?" In this case, I'd like to talk about the dangers of envy and jealousy. After all, who hasn't struggled with it?

Psalm 37 addresses this, and then presents intelligent and sensible encouragement to help us correct our thoughts and actions. For our purposes, I'd like to pay particular attention to the first seven verses. These provide an excellent foundation and will serve us well.

Psalm 37:1, "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."  This opening verse, especially the second part, paints a picture of the easy succession from worry (fretting) to jealousy. You could say that it sets the stage for envy to set in.

Further, when we start out by fretting "because of those who are evil," we may end up "doing evil" ourselves. So, how can we correct this? Fortunately the Psalmist incorporates the heavenly to correct the earthly. Pay close attention to the frequency of "the Lord" in the Psalm. This is a big hint!

Psalm 37:3, "Trust in the Lord."  Focus on "Trust." We can rest assured that that He is hard at work on our behalf when things look bleak. Psalm 37:4, "Take delight in the Lord." The unsearchable riches of Christ will gradually reveal themselves if we allow them to, displacing enviousness and worry.

Psalm 37:5, "Commit your way to the Lord." What way? Your way! In all that you earnestly do, any worthy ambition, duty, task, or path you take, "Commit your way to the Lord." Commit to Him always, not just when you're half-way through and bogged down in the road.

Commit before things go wrong, bring Him along side before you even get started. If you go out in the company of Jesus beforehand, you'll have the peace that surpasses understanding in your heart. And finally, Psalm 37:7, "Be still before the Lord." 

The King James Version says, "Rest in the LORD." If you have followed all that we have discussed: trusting in, delighting in, and committing your way to the Lord, you can now "be still" or "rest." Don't worry. Whatever happens simply hand it over to the Lord!

We, as believers, should never squander a moment worrying, agonizing, brooding, anguishing, or losing sleep over sinners. Instead, look ahead with the conviction of faith, because you have no reason to be jealous or envious of the sinful and their fleeting prosperity.

The cure for worry is available to all who make God their heart's delight and desire. Cast all your anxieties on Him. God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. In Him you will find complete satisfaction,

Scripture: James 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:3; Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 23:17; Psalm 73:3

Prayer: Dear God, I ask for the power of your Spirit in my life each day, so that I may live more fully in your presence, amen

Have a blessed day!

Genevieve