By now, in this, the third part of this series, we are beginning to see that what the world views as love seems to, and may, in-fact, be at odds with the Biblical characteristics of love. It is amazing how much this difference is effecting marriages and families today. It can creep into our hearts and spirits before we even realize it. Yes, it can even sneak into the life of a Christian if allowed.
When our neighbors bring home that new car or when they wave at us in yet another new outfit, how does that effect us? Are wives ever tempted to question why their husbands are not providing them with those things? On the other hand, How about the time when the delivery truck, delivers that (gulp) new zero-turn mower that we know will cut our neighbors mowing time in half. Do we men question ourselves and perhaps even, our wives?
Envy. The wrecking ball of marriages. I like how The Message paraphrase puts the above verse. "Love doesn't want what it doesn't have." In a "want driven" society, the race to accumulate things is driving many marriages and families into ruin. Bankruptcy, foreclosures and divorce are at a high.
Envy does not stop with the material, but invades the emotional, mental and even the spiritual aspects of our lives. A woman may want that caring and considerate husband that lives four doors down, the one who is always opening doors for his wife and playing baseball with their kids. A man may want the woman at the office who is always ready with a compliment because of his intelligence and abilities. A couple may desire the giftings of that couple at their church, the ones that always are leading and in charge of various ministries. On and on it goes.
I think of the Apostle Paul's words in scripture where he mentions how he had "learned to be content." I believe it is the void that is experienced by a life away from Christ or distanced from Christ that leads to discontentment. Often, right on the heels of discontent, is envy.
Question of the Week: How might you protect your marriage from the damaging effects of envy?
Dave
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