Today’s Blog: Envy, Anyone?
TODAY’S PROVERB: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be in the fear of Adonai. Proverbs 23:17, TLV
Why would we envy sinners? What do they have, really, that we want? If we’re honest with ourselves, many of us wish we had nice/nicer things. Sometimes desires can motivate us to be more purposeful with our plans and budgets — which isn’t necessarily a sin. However, the moment we allow envy in, the climate of our heart changes.
There was a time when I wanted more — to live a bigger life. The cost of this desire was my time, money, resources, and shalom — my peace. It meant I had to sometimes close my eyes to my family’s needs, and commitment to my relationship with the LORD. The real treasures of life were neglected.
Letting go . . .
Letting go of that desire wasn’t easy. I always felt I was close, but the “carrot” kept moving. Finally, my Heavenly Father pointed my focus to what was really important. He showed me how to get back to the basics: gratitude, wonder, love, and awe.
Realizing that the Creator of the Universe loves us, knows us, redeemed us, provides for us is a great place to begin. Once we settle into that place, we’ll be in a better head-space to love Him back. To love what is important to Him.
And what has this world given us anyway? Fear. Hatred. Envy. Hopelessness. Temporary highs. Devastating lows. Demands on our lives that drain our happiness and wellbeing. Whatever power, fame, wealth, or stuff in our life is always fleeting. Any number of circumstances can occur to rip them from our hands.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.”
PAUL TO THE ROMANS, ROMANS 8: 38-39, TLV
The most expensive possessions are dust beneath our LORD’s feet. He holds our future, hope, joy, our salvation. He alone is worthy of our devotion. And the beautiful thing is, He wants to share that wealth with everyone. No need for envy, ever.
May we live in gratitude and love, my friends.
Proverbs 23:17 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
