The religious leaders, the UnFAIRasees, the false Christians of that day killed Jesus because of envy (Mark 15:10). But what did they envy? Here’s a few reasons:
- His relationship with God the Father
- His ability to perform miracles and the great amount of followers he had
- His ability to beat them in every verbal confrontation
- His knowledge, wisdom and authority over the scriptures
- His power over sin to live a holy life
They had none of the above.
This is just a reminder to us all that if they hated Jesus for being “all that”, we too will be mistreated and hated for the same things especially by false Christians in the harlot church. Many of us experience it occasionally. For those who haven’t, who have been born again, if you think persecution comes from proclaiming the word of God, think again. Just live a holy life, be joyous, be prosperous, spirit-filled, have a father in heaven, and people will hate you.
You’ll be saying to yourself, “What did I do for them to treat me like this?” But there’s no need to get into introspective thought. They wish they had what you had, but
- they either haven’t done what they’re supposed to do to get it,
- or they aren’t supposed to have it, and are not being content with what they do have.
That is the foundation of envy.
Have you ever found yourself envying another Christian? Perhaps it was someone locally or someone online. I know I have, and I had to repent. I thank God for understanding when he shows me wickedness in my heart.
Envying other Christians.
I looked at them and it seemed like they were soooooo holy — so close to God — as if they were living the spirit filled life — full of joy and peace. Then I began to sin by questioning their lifestyle. I began to think that it probably was all a show.
I needed to believe that they didn’t really have it. I was beginning to downgrade them to my level of spiritual growth. I didn’t want that person to have a better life than me because that would mean I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to do.
I thank God I didn’t express it openly and that it was quickly dealt with, but for others it may not be dealt with and so they find themselves saying and doing things to hurt that person. To make it even worse, they surely make the other person the problem when in fact it’s them who is the problem.
The root.
You see, I wasn’t doing the necessary things to have a godly life. I wasn’t being meek to hear God and receive daily bread from him. I wasn’t denying myself to get the victory over sin. And I had the nerve to get upset when someone else was?!
Misery loves company and I wanted that person to be in my same situation. I was just like those Pharisees who wanted to be like Jesus, but weren’t willing to take the necessary steps to do so.
This is the main reason why some Christians hang around sinners, because they can always compare themselves to them and come out on top. This allows them to relax and never strive to grow because, in their minds, they’ve reached the height of spiritual growth (at least in their circle of sinners).
Shame on these folks for doing such a thing! Don’t they know they are only deceiving themselves, and on the broad road to destruction? And shame on me for thinking that way too, but thank God for washing that sin away and getting me back on track. He can do the same for them too.
The track is the narrow road, and the focus is Jesus Christ. My first sin was that I stopped doing the necessary disciplines to allow God to flow through me, and then I began to look at others. When I did that, I took my eyes off Jesus.
We ought not compare ourselves to others. There’s no reason to when Christ is the comparison. We don’t make it to heaven because we lived better than so-and-so, we get in because we lived like Christ. Our life should always be based off his. For all those who say we can’t be like Jesus: You’re right, you’ll never be, but as for me and my house, we will be as Jesus is — we must.
What’s great about Jesus.
All Jesus wants is for us to have what he has (1 Cor 2:9; 3 John 1:1-2). In heaven, people won’t be comparing themselves. If we are to be children of God, we must learn this on this earth now. And if you believe God, no one in his kingdom will be without anything they need. Therefore, when the temptation of envy comes, shut it down and know that you have a father that has so many gifts to give you.
What to do about it.
Don’t trip if you’ve been envious, just repent and confess your sin to God, and he’ll wash it away so you can start fresh (1 John 1:9-10). Think about what you were desiring and if it’s indeed obtainable and something you really need. If it’s not, be content where you are. To be content, be thankful for what you already have, now imagine it being gone.
As far as wanting to be that super-Christian, this is a good desire and so obtainable because it is the will of the Father. Don’t allow the devil to convince you that it isn’t obtainable, and don’t associate with that crowd who says it’s impossible — they will surely kill your faith (1 Cor 15:33).
If you want to be a super-Christian like you think that other brother or sister is, get your mind off of them, come higher, and focus on Jesus. Make him your model and then do the necessary things in life to be a son or daughter of God. If you don’t know what to do, ask someone. As you persist with all seriousness you will look a whole lot more like Jesus.
This ministry is no longer in service. I left the Christian faith and no longer agree with some of the content posted here. However, this website will remain available for archive purposes. Read the details in my last post.