Careful of Envy Disguised as Fairness

Envy: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage (Merriam-Webster Online)

I was struck by envy as was presented by my pastor in our service over the weekend. The message was based in Luke and on the prodigal son although not the part that most of us would think. You see, the older, other son was of the envious sort as he the return and celebration of the brother as a slap in the face as he had been there the whole time and devoted himself to the father and the family business. How could the father be so giving to the one that had renounced the family and taken his inheritance and squandered it and then returned to a hero’s welcome while the older son toiled away continuing to work for all that he would later receive.

I have to admit that I was, to some degree, looking in the mirror as relates to certain points in my life. I feel a lack of appreciation for the work I am doing and yet, those that seem to struggle and fail are celebrated for doing something that to others is just a normal part of the job. I feel as though there is an over abundance of joy presented for someone or something that has just met the standard that others have been meeting for some time. What is that saying to the rest of the group.

I have to look inward at my own self and know and remember that what I do is not for me and that the work done by someone else is not the standard I hold to. I serve God and not man. My reward is in heaven and not here in this world. I am not bound by the acceptance or acknowledgment of those around me, but by the acceptance and acknowledgment of God the Father. I am a child of God and am only in this world temporarily, until I have completed that which has been assigned me by God. I have to let others receive that which they receive and celebrate with them knowing that all that comes to me is from God and not of man.

Wow, that seems so easy to do and when done, there is a full release and wave of comfort. But, seeming easy is not the same as being easy. I am a man and want what a man wants. I feel slighted when these things occur and certainly want what others are receiving. And that is why sitting in the sermon titled “The Sin of Envy & The Beauty of Love” is exactly what I needed. I was, as mentioned in my first paragraph, “struck” by the message. I was reminded and convicted of my own sin. I was reminded of the subtle nature of envy. I was convicted of my thoughts and feelings of and for others. I have been at the pity party and need to leave as it is hindering my celebration with others. I am thinking of me and not loving of others as I should. Envy can be small, but lead to bigger things. I have to recognize it for what it is, take on gratitude, and remember the truth of the gospel as noted by my pastor Jared: “The Heart of God is Forgiveness not fairness”.

What things are going on in your life that you think may be unfair? Are you looking to be recognized for what you do, or are you looking to celebrate with others? What if you recognized, showed gratitude, and remember the truth as opposed to wanting more or that which others have?