If we don’t recognise, and then remove, any envy in our lives it can become a ‘stronghold’. We can end up feeling resentful of other people and avoiding them because of their successes. The Bible says, ‘Envy rots the bones’ (Proverbs 14:30 NIV) and the New Living Translation paraphrases it this way: ‘Jealousy is like cancer in the bones.’ If we’re finding ourselves constantly criticising someone and craving what they have, then we need to take on board these words from the Bible: ‘I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen’ (Jeremiah 29:11-12 TLB). Basically, envy says to God, ‘You made a mistake when You made us like we are. We want to be like that other person and have what they have instead’ But God has a unique calling and destiny for each of us. So instead of giving in to envy, let’s be motivated to become the best possible version of ourselves – the person God intended us to be. If we’re struggling with envy, the Bible reminds us that God has given us an inheritance. He’s got things for us. We’ve not been forgotten, left out or been given less than others. His goodness, His plans and His presence are just as available and real for us as they are to other people. ‘LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! (Psalm 16:5-6 NLT).
What now?
Write down everything that God promises you, put in an envelope and label it ‘inheritance’. Every time you feel envy rising up, open your envelope and read God’s promises.