Beware of Envy

Only gratitude and contentment can ward off envy’s bitter poison.

Good morning!

How often do you find yourself filled with envy?

Quick definitions: whereas I would define lust as an intense craving for something you do not have (can apply to anything from food to cars and houses, not just sex), envy is a more evil form of lust that specifically desires the nice things that somebody else has, also known as covetousness.

It’s okay to want a bigger TV or a faster car just because you appreciate those things and recently discovered that you could afford to get some shiny new object (Albeit decisions like this are rarely wise and you should have a point person that you check with before you spend over $1000 on any extravagance), but the problems of envy—and resulting bitterness—arise when you go over to someone’s house and find yourself wanting their stuff.

You see, when you shift from just wanting good things to wanting someone else’s possessions, craving their life or their wealth or their lifestyle, you are setting yourself up to be in a great position for bitterness to take root in your soul, and you might see yourself becoming more critical. One such thought may be, “Hey, how come they got that promotion that I worked so hard to earn?”, or “Do they seriously believe they deserve that spouse?”, or “That person is so corrupt, how could they ever have such nice things?”

It’s a dangerous thing, it really is, and the only thing I’ve found to prevent envy from taking root in my heart is to practice gratitude and contentment: take what’s already in your hand, and focus your attention on that. Start a gratitude journal. Tell your spouse how much you appreciate all that they do. Text your friends that you love them. Think about how useful your car has been, or perhaps how you’re so glad your smartphone isn’t a flip-phone, regardless of its age or condition.

When we actively practice gratitude and contentment towards the things we already have, we set ourselves up to be much happier individuals and can far easier prevent envy and bitterness from rising up in our hearts.

God bless you, have a great day!