My former boss Ben seems to attract stains whenever he wears plain white clothing. Be it a barong, a long-sleeved shirt, or a short sleeved polo, if it is white, he is bound to stain it. And so whenever someone notices the ketchup or gravy stain he manages to get to his clothes, he just laughs it off.
Our culture has trained us to immediately spot stains in otherwise immaculately clean clothes. Unfortunately it does not end there, because such an attitude extends in how we view the lives of others.
For some people, when they see someone who seems to be living a good life, they will immediately try to spot the blemish on that person’s life. Once they see the imperfection — be it an ongoing problem, a recurring sin, or a handicap, they compare the situation with their life, and feel good again about themselves.
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.” Job 5:2
As Christians, we are being called to be genuinely happy for other people. To refrain from being envious, and to just focus on living a life of worship. Time and again, the bible has warned us against envying others as it is just a gateway of evil in our lives.
In His letter to the early Christians, James, the brother of Jesus, warned against being envious of another person, saying that harboring such feelings emanates from vile behavior.
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” James 3:14-16
In fact, the writer of the Book Of Ecclesiastes says that envying could lead a person to be enslaved to their work even if they really do not need to. Fast forward to our current lives, we find ourselves surrounded with people who abuse their bodies, and fail to spend time with their family in their quest to accumulate more power, prestige, and pleasures.
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4
And so when we feel like looking for something to criticise in the life of an otherwise peaceful and joyful person, we should stop and reflect on our feelings. We should remind ourselves that we should not look for what is wrong in his life, and instead, focus on the good example of life he gives to others.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
If ever we find ourselves on the opposite fence — being scrutinized for whatever mistakes and failures we have in life — then we ought to take heart. We should remind ourselves that if we are doing what is right in God’s eyes, God will protect us.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
And even if they try to bring us down, we should call to mind bible stories that uplifted the righteous who had been subjected to envy and evil. Such an example is Joseph, the son of Jacob who was sold into slavery because his brothers envied Him. But because He lived a Godly life, God was with Him, and He lifted Him up in due time.
“But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:19-20
It is never okay to focus on the negative aspects of other people’s life. It is never okay to feel happy when we discover that a joyful fellow follower of Jesus is carrying a cross that seems heavier than ours. It is all the more worse when we spread such information around — even if it is true — because as Christians, we should never rejoice over other people’s misfortune.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Genesis 50:15-21 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you get envious about other people? How do you handle other people’s negative attitude towards your life and success?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being a gracious God. Thank you for warning us that envy will bring evil into our lives. Give us the grace to catch ourselves whenever we feel this negative emotion. At the same breath, please protect us from those who are feeling envious about us, teach them to focus on better things, and guard us with your love. Amen.
