Text: Numbers 12
Topic: Why envy angers God and how to deal with it constructively.
Introduction:
- Miriam and Aaron aren't alone in their struggle with the sin of envy.
We need to understand the definition of envy.
- When we compare ourselves with others, we fall prey to envy.
- Jealousy arises from mistrust of another; envy is wanting what someone else has.
- We're taught to compare by our parents, by society, by advertising.
- We're most susceptible to envy where we feel most vulnerable.
Illustration: Beach says her is weakest in domestic life, and she's envious of Martha S, including her own , who is talented around the house, godly and loving.
Why does envy ignite such anger in God?
- Envy devalues my because I look outside of myself to value myself.
- Envy distances us from God because it leads us to think we know better than him.
- Envy destroys community because it spoils our enjoyment of others.
Try these practical suggestions to constructively deal with envy.
- Call envy what it is and admit our feelings.
- Stop making comparisons; don't view people in a hierarchy.
- Use envy as a stimulus for change to help you work toward attainable goals.
- Reaffirm your uniqueness and choices.
- Stop hiding and start talking to the person you envy.
- Celebrate the gifts and opportunities of others.
- Find your contentment and significance in God.
Conclusion:
- God knows how deadly envy is, and he asks us to get rid of it.
Illustration: While Beach runs laps at the YMCA, she sometimes envies faster runners. She doesn't need to compete with them, however, but only needs to run her own race.
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