I am wondering about the root of Envy. It may seem like a strange thing to wonder about, but how many of you truly even know what Envy is? It was explained to me at church on Sunday.
Envy is when you focus on what other people have that you want but don't have. It is pretty toxic. First, it means you are not giving thanks for what you do have. Second, it takes the focus off of loving those around you. How can you love them if you envy them.
This got me thinking about this whole car thing. If I don't own a luxury car, will I envy those who do? I obviously don't want to envy them, but will I? It brings me on a deeper level during this journey, one which I welcome wholeheartedly.
Anyone reading this - do you have envy in your life? How can you go about removing that from your life?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Are you sure about this envy thing? Is envy REALLY about liking to have what someone else has? I guess if you want theirs, so they don't have it, that would seem to be envious. But what about when you see something like a ...gorgeous house on an island and think, "Wow, that would be cool to have"? I mean, seriously, do we get ALL our ideas from advertising? Isn't seeing something someone else has and admiring it OK? Don't coaches, (not to pick on coaches)even advise to incorporate rewards into your goals? If that reward was derived from seeing something someone else has, is that envy? Let's adress talent. If you admire a talent or skill someone has that you don't have, or have less of, does that make you envious? I wish I could play (have played) linebacker as well as Romo used to. Am I envious? Is that wish a negative thing? I wish sometimes I could cook as well as my wife. Am I envious? Maybe. Perhaps envy has to do with the strength and focus of one's desire for something they see that belongs to another. OR, perhaps it has to do with wanting what they have or wishingg they didn't have it because you don't? Was any of this addressed in church? Good topic, Kris.
ReplyDeleteJim - you are dead on. It isn't bad to want something. Envy is when you want what someone has and it hinders the relationship or you in some way. Church did talk about wanting what others have and a sense of "modeling" which is actually a compliment to that person. Envy is the negative side of things however. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood post! I think if we were all honest with ourselves we probably envy someone or something. I mean it's all around us. Commercials, billboards. ads, etc. telling us we need some new gadget, more expensive clothes, newer, bigger & better things that we don't have. Probably a big reason that people can't live on one income anymore. We have all bought into the lie that we have to keep up with the Jones' and need two new SUV's. For me though, my envy tends to come in quieter ways, not so visible. I envy other peoples relationships or I envy other people's personalities...and you are right, it is us not being grateful. I am basically saying, "thanks but no thanks,God. What you gave me isn't enough,
ReplyDeleteI want what he/she has" Thanks for posting, good truth! (I do agree though that we can just admire what others have but i highly doubt many people actually don't cross that line to wanting what other people have) P.S. Do you think there is a difference in envy and coveting??
Natalee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for following :-) I really don't think there is much difference between envy and coveting. Like you said, either way we are saying thanks God, but it's not enough. You are such a blessing and I love that I get to see your beautiful baby grow up via FB. Have a wonderful day.