ENVY NOT

December 26

ENVY NOT

Psalms 37:27-28 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

From the start of this psalm, David exhorts us to not envy the wicked when he seems successful and spreads himself like a green bay tree. He instructs us not
to be intimidated by his wealth; nor to be fearful of his arrows (Psalms 37).
Furthermore in this psalm, David pleads that rather than lust after the comfort, dainties, and seeming security that we, the righteous, seem to be sometimes denied, we commit our ways to the Lord for our supply and protection. He tells us not to compare. He assures that our simple humble means are worth much more in the Lord’s eyes than all the flashy temporal wealth of the ungodly. All the way through, the psalmist continues his lamentation against the sweet deceiving dainties of the wicked, who earns his way through many murderous, mischievous and perverted ways and means.

At times, we do wonder. At times, we are also tempted to compromise spiritual integrity for gain and protection. At time we are tempted to face literal hell and damnation, sell our soul to the devil for the gratification of immediate comfort and financial security.

What are the questions that Jesus will ask us when we come to Him? Will He ask if we built a vast financial empire? Will He be concerned to know if we were successful in the eyes of man, or if we earned the praise of the world? Will He want to see the vast domains we established for His glory?

No, but rather, He will ask, “Did we starve our soul at the cost of feeding our belly?” “Did we feed our selves while neglecting His sheep?” and all the more He will ask, “What have you done for My children?”

1 Co 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.