Daily Devotionals

It’s an experience we’ve all had at one time or another. It is so common, in fact, most people think it is no big deal. They see it as just a harmless, human emotion. But they are gravely mistaken.

As innocent as it may sometimes seem, envy is actually the devil’s own poison, designed to turn love into hate and immobilize the force of faith in your life.

“Well, Gloria. That all sounds so awful. I don’t really think I’m envious of anyone.”

That may be true. But let me encourage you to search your heart carefully just to be sure, because many times, we aren’t even conscious of envy. We may feel it stirring within us, but we fail to identify it because we assume such feelings are “natural.”

Envy sneaks in without announcing itself. It slips in unnoticed.

Suppose you go to church, for instance, and you see Brother Smith with a new car. Suddenly a thought comes to your mind: Why does he have a new car? He didn’t even need it. I’m the one who needs a new car. And you resent that he received a new car.

Or suppose you see Sister Jones in a beautiful, new dress. As you sit down next to her, you notice how dowdy your dress is compared to hers. Suddenly, you feel ugly and self-conscious, and resentment comes that you don’t have as nice a dress as she does.

You may not think much more about it consciously. But later, you notice you’re a little irritated or depressed. You can’t quite put your finger on why you feel that way. After all, you were having a good day until a little while ago. What happened?

Envy crept in and poisoned you with a feeling of ill will and discontent because of another’s success or advantages. Envy made a move on you.

But listen, if you’re a born-again believer, envy is not part of your spiritual nature. It’s something the devil tries to pressure you into receiving. He dangles it in front of you like bait on a hook, hoping you’ll take a bite. But don’t do it! Taking the bait will produce hate in your life. It will stop the force of faith in your life. It will stop the plans of God in your life. It stops your success cold. So get before God and rid yourself of all envy. Make a quality decision never to allow it in again. It’s the devil’s personal poison. Let him keep it to himself!

Speak the Word

I walk in the Spirit and do not fulfill the lust of the flesh. I refuse to give place to envy in my life. (Galatians 5:16-21, nkjv)