Last night in small group I taught the second lesson on the seven deadly sins, on envy.

Seven Deadly Sins: Envy

So what is envy? Well, in brief, the way we usually use the word “envy” has nothing to do with its historical meaning. Envy is when we refuse to allow God the privilege of determining our status in the world. We usually measure that status by playing the comparison game – what does that person have that I want, etc?

The ultimate problem with envy is that when we can’t make ourselves better than others, we attack the One whom we feel has stacked the deck against us. Think of Salieri in “Amadeus,” or Syndrome in “The Incredibles.” Envy is a vice rooted in the vice of pride – I’m going to make a name for myself!

So how do we get over envy? By basing our self-worth not on comparing ourselves with others, but on God’s view of us. Isaiah 43:1, 4 says:

“I call you by name, you are mine. You are precious and special in my sight, and I love you.”