Envy and Catholic Living: Sin, Contentment, and Divine Perspective

 


Ah yes, to keep up with the Jones’ with the latest and greatest fandangle gleaming thing that is out there is simply meaningless. Just to get the latest technology, best house, the newest house will wear us out and lead us into the poor house – also known as debt.

Envy – One of the Deadliest Sins

Envy – one of the deadliest of the 7 deadly sins – is the desire for other people’s things. Simply speaking, it is hatred of other’s good fortune. And yes, sometimes others get the cool stuff first; but it still burns at you from wanting it.

Those that act on the impulse tend to be robbers: handsome gentleman thief, classy sexy cat-burglar, or a rough highwayman. Let us not forget the jealous girl or the crazy jealous guy and the fairest of them all. If they can't get it the first time, and the many times after that, then it may escalate to murder.

Envy vs. Jealousy

Envy and jealousy are often confused. They are polar opposites and one does not depend on the other. Envy is a desire for what someone else possesses, while jealousy is the fear of losing what you possess.

Given the context, being envious can be toward anything. If there is a malicious desire to harm or punish the person that you are envious of—to take pleasure in their pain of loss—that is called Schadenfreude (harming joy).

“Do not rejoice when your enemies fall into trouble. Don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.” – Proverbs 24:17-18 (NLT)

Dante’s Inferno

In Dante’s Inferno, the fourth ring punishment in Hell for committing this sin is to be put in ice-water. It is part and parcel with arrogance and avarice, being that they “are the three sparks that have all hearts enkindled.” The color associated with this sin is green—thus the well-known phrase “green with envy.”

Modern Ministry Perspective

There will always be people that are better known, have the coolest stuff, larger ministries, put on a show that is better than yours, draw more parishioners, and have the latest and greatest. It is obviously hard not to be envious when they are more successful at doing what they do.

Wait! Stop! Look at your life as a ministry and from God’s perspective. How many people do you think He is going to have that will agree to be famous? Do you know how many people will accept His call for the ministry?

Then consider the calling of those that stay in their hometown and minister to the small little church just over the ridge on a hill, or to the local jail. Just how many people will say “yes” enthusiastically, if God told them to minister in such places? Which ministers are diamonds in the rough that are so rare and valuable? Does it really matter where a soul is saved? Is God’s calling better on the other side of the tracks?

Self-Reflection

Once again, take inventory of your life and have God help you look nice and deep into your inner person. Ask yourself: are you true to what God has called you for and do? Having heart in God’s will is the key to success.

Prayer

Dear God, help me not to be envious of what other people may have and what success they may attain. Let me see my life through Your eyes and be content with what You have given me.

It is all about grounding your success on His calling and your obedience.

Location: Hollywood, FL 33025, USA

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