Envy

<<jealously>>

We are not to covet what belongs to another (Ex 20:17). Envy or jealousy is in the human heart, and is a mark of the carnal nature (Mk 7:21,22; Rom 1:28,32; Gal 5:19-21). “Where you have envy and selfish ambition you will have disorder and every evil practice” (Jas 3:16). When unregenerate self is the centre and controlling influence in a person’s life there is chaos and little discipline, with any boundaries of integrity quickly crossed.

Our natural human self-desires are to come under the Lordship of Christ. The cross is designed to deal with the selfish motivations and outworking
of the deeply ingrained characteristics of the flesh – there is a continuous battle going on in our individual lives. Deal with the first signs of arousal

Live in such a way that others ‘must have’ your relationship with Christ

before they take a hold in your thoughts. As you, “Rid yourselves of envy” you will be able to genuinely respect and appreciate what belongs to another (1 Pet 2:1).

Pure love is not envious, but desires the best for another and rejoices with them in success (Rom 12:15; 1 Cor 13:4). A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Prov 14:30).