Why God Wants You To Get Rid of Envy

Why God Wants You To Get Rid of Envy
Devotion by Pastor Alexander Redd
June 10, 2024

In Matthew 20:9-10, Jesus tells a fascinating parable about two groups of workers. He explains that when the workers who were hired at the last hour received a dollar, the ones who were hired first thought they would get more. As a result, the first group of workers complained to the master about receiving less pay.

This parable is not just a story but a lesson that resonates with our daily lives. It teaches us that comparing ourselves to others is the root of envy, a mistake made in the vineyard workers' parable.

"The ones who were hired last came up and were given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more." (Matthew 20:9-10).

In other words, they started making comparisons: "Look what they are getting. So, we are going to get more. We deserve better."

The Bible repeatedly warns against comparing yourself to others for two reasons: First and foremost, you are unique. God made you special, and there is nobody else like you. This uniqueness is evidence of your worth in God's plan. Also, comparing yourself to others will inevitably result in pride and envy.

When we compare ourselves to others, we either become proud and think we are better than them or envious because they are doing better than us. Both pride and envy are wrong, and they can lead us down a road of discontent and unhappiness.

Furthermore, envy occurs when we don't really know someone well. We can only see a person's strengths and successes from a distance, but as we get closer, we may discover their struggles and flaws.

Everyone harbors hidden pain, which is often easy to overlook from a distance. The best way to truly know and understand people is through interactions, especially in small groups. These interactions can lead to deeper connections, empathy, and a sense of shared understanding.

By getting close to others, we can appreciate them for who they are and pray for them rather than feeling envious or thinking we are better than them. This sense of community and belonging fostered through fellowship and camaraderie brings us together and helps us stop comparing ourselves to others.