When I was 6 we lived in Maine. The house had a large fireplace in the living room and some evenings Dad would build a fire and we would sit around and eat popcorn. One particular night I remember the fire reaching outside the fireplace and began to burn the wood mantel. Dad jumped up and quickly put it out. The fire could have become dangerous if not kept in control.
There is a fire that burns inside each of us...for some it is very small...for others it is a consuming firestorm. This fire is called envy.
Envy is a desire that is out of control and brings destruction into the life of the one who is envious. Envy comes in at least two forms. One form is when I see what someone else has and I want it. The other form is when I see what someone has and want it to be taken away from them. Envy rarely harms anyone else. It usually only harms the one who harbors envy in their heart.
Envy destroys.
Joseph in the Old Testament was sold as a slave because of the envy of his brothers.
Eve bit the apple in the Garden of Eden because of envy of what God knew.
Jacob manipulated Esau because of envy of his birthright.
Jesus was handed over because of envy from the religious leaders.
How have you been destroyed or singed by envy?
Trusting in God and allowing that trust to build is the way to keep the flame low. Opening our eyes to see the might, power and love of God and learning to be satisfied with him and what he provides is the fire hose.
How do you keep envy from becoming a consuming fire?
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