Envy is a feeling of discontent, resentment, and begrudging, aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. It’s simply desiring the resources and opportunities someone else has so that we can purchase and create the life we fantasize about. We may not want a person’s specific home, vehicles, talents, or spouse, but we may want their finances and charisma so we can have a similar life. James chapter 3 and verses 14-16 allow us to see how this is a very serious spiritual problem. “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
We consider an envious person to be a materialistic and nosy busybody, trying to keep up with the Joneses. When we are walking or driving in a neighborhood, we check out every house to judge its landscaping and the color coordination of its paint, roof, and brick. At a stoplight, we look around and notice what people are driving, and when we are in a mall or a restaurant, we notice what people are wearing. Likewise, the internet, as a sneaky Pied Piper, provides the bait for the inquisitive. Let’s face it, the real reason social media is so addictive is that the average person is not only super curious, but also easily influenced.
Though it seems that envy would be the same as jealousy, they are actually distinct emotions. Envy involves wanting what someone else has, while jealousy typically arises from the fear of losing something you already possess. Beyond sayings such as: “Envy is the personal agony over the good fortune of others”, “Whoever envies someone confesses their superiority”, and “Comparison is the thief of joy”, we can realize that self-discipline is a critical factor in guarding and discerning our thoughts. Since our thoughts are shaping who we are, it does not take a Christian counselor to explain how important this is to our spiritual well-being.
It’s disturbing how much time and energy people spend fantasizing about trying to be like others, but we seldom hear someone say, “I wish I could live as close to God as that person.” Take Mother Teresa, for example. She was not rich, did not live in a mansion, and did not have all the luxuries of life, but we can agree she was a wonderful and caring person who was determined to spend her life helping others and serving God. If this is not a success, what is? Is she a role model of what all of us should be? According to Jesus – yes! However, do we dream, pray, and beg God to help us live like that? Would we really give everything we have to become totally detached from the luxuries of this world, and do what Jesus told the rich young ruler to do? Evidently not.
There is no doubt we are living in a time when it is more difficult than ever to live a holy lifestyle. I’ve been a Christian for over 50 years, and much of this time I’ve studied the subject of spiritual warfare. I can say technology can help in some ways, but where is the advancement and progression of our computerized society leading us? We can look around and see how the minds of the masses, including children, are being pulled into the vortex of artificial intelligence. Even the name itself is a red flag. Could the World Wide Web have something to do with why so many people are entangled with anxiety and depression? Is AI a dangerous wolf disguised in sheep’s clothing? Where will the Christian draw the line and say I cannot continue to advance into this system? Are we like the frog in a pan that is adjusting to the slow increase of the water temperature? Aren’t we already identified and constantly examined within the data centers?
We’ve been saturated with the message of God loving us, but He also knows what we are thinking about, including how much we love Him. He also knows that for many, technology has become an idol. Like an undisciplined child who only wants to eat candy, the Pied Piper loves to trade pleasure for control. We have free will to obey God and be saved, or to live in rebellion and destroy ourselves. Let’s try reducing social media and entertainment, and replace it with seeking Him with all of our hearts.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and Christian author. Read more about LIVING ON PURPOSE at billyhollandministries.com
