A few years ago when I was back in school and my wife lost her job, money was tight and I found myself harboring feelings of jealousy and envy toward close friends. It seemed as though they had it all and we had nothing. We were depleting our savings as we were trying to sell our house, yet they were buying new cars, going on nice vacations, etc.. And these were things we used to do! It just didn’t seem fair and I found myself not only coveting these material things, but I began to become frustrated and angry. I often questioned God on why He would allow this to happen. How can He possibly say He loves us, yet allow us to go without while everyone around us flourishes.

There comes a time at some point in our lives where we begin to compare ourselves to others. This may start at a young age when we are seeing that our friends have more or nicer things that we do. Or it could be when we get older and involves a position/job, the cars we drive, the houses we live in, the vacations we go on, etc. We look at ourselves and look others around us and begin to envy the ones who have the better things. We begin to think, if I could only make this much more, I would be happy. Or if I could just afford this house or this car, everything would be ok. Or maybe we get angry because we wonder why others have so much while we have so little. We begin to question God and ask why He would bless someone who doesn't even go to church. I mean, we are good people. We go to church, teach Sunday school, and tithe. They don't and yet they have a huge house, nice cars and take great vacations. I don't understand. Well, the Bible addresses these ideas and attitudes a few different ways. Envy. Judgement. Pride. Contentment. God's provision. Our works. Self-focus.

A quick look through scripture gives us some insight on the struggles I listed above, and even begins to shed light on other sin that is a result of these things.

A heart of peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

James 3:16

Where pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Psalms 10:4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.

Ephesians 4:22

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

So the next time we look up and wish we had what our neighbor has, or begin to question God on His provision, or lack of… perhaps we should look to the scripture as a reminder just how good God is to us and why we may be focusing on ourselves rather than Him and his will for our lives.