“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16)
Envy, desirous to obtain that which another has and despising them for having what you do not have. Thou shalt not covet, for it brings strife.
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:5) From day one Satan knew what would work, I do not know how he knew this, but he did, it always has, and it still does today.
We are told to despise those with much, not to better ourselves, we are to hate them, not work to have those things they have, we are to envy them so that strife will enter into our hearts. Those elites, those powers of Spiritual darkness in high places want you to own nothing, not so that you will be happy, but so that they can, so that they can dole out your needs and wants at their whims and sit in seats of supposed authority.
Satan is the author of confusion, and he knows full well that if he brings thoughts of envy into the mind of a person, strife will follow, diversions between mankind, and they will no longer love their neighbor as themselves.
This is sin, and sin brings forth death.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) Contentment is, in part, the inverse of envy, while envy brings forth strife, contentment in what the Lord has provided brings forth peace, and when we remain in this truth, a peace that passes all understanding. A man that has no food gives no thought to the newest vehicles being produced, one who has no place to get out of the rain does not search for a mansion.
Only those who have want more.
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2nd Cor. 2:11) This trap of envy is not so subtle, it is viewable to all, even the wicked see it clearly, but while it drives them to greater achievements, and thereby greater wealth and accolades from their peers, it causes us to pause and recognize that the Lord is rich in mercy to those that love Him.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) We shall not want not only because He has promised to fulfill all our needs, and a great many of our wants, but because we also have been shown truth, the truth that unfettered wants will lead to envy, to strife, to confusion, and then to evil.
There is no lack of the things of this world that Satan has to his advantage to draw us into want, and those who cannot obtain those wants will envy, and begin to hate those who do have them. Our adversary had only one object in the garden to tempt our first parents with, there were no bars of gold and silver, no mansions overlooking the beach, no expensive vehicles, enticing or alluring items, only one thing was at his disposal, the lie that they would be as God.
And he knew that one himself quite well. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:14)
The desires of man are the advantage of our adversary, and many are more than willing to follow his lead.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Be content here, strive only to serve the Lord more each day for His glory, look forward to walking on streets of gold if you so desire, look forward to the treasures of the Kingdom of God that await you, but better yet, look forward to being in the presence of the fulness of joy for all eternity.
Leave this world behind my friends.
