Have you ever heard the expression “the grass is greener on the other side”? This popular saying originated from the American tradition of maintaining a well-kept lawn in a culture where DYI (do-it-yourself) home improvement is highly prevalent and taking good care of your property is considered a matter of honour. You probably already watched one of those films where the families live in houses with garages full of tools.
Admiring a neighbour’s lush, well-maintained lawn can easily spark envy, often without recognising the hard work behind it to achieve that beautiful result. This saying actually points to an evil: envy, which is being resentful of someone who has something you don’t. Envy and jealousy often go hand in hand. For example, some football fans might find it easier to blame the referee for a loss rather than acknowledge the opposing team’s skill and strategy.
The Bible also illustrates the dangers of envy in the story of Joseph, who was sold to merchants by his own brothers – who were envious of God’s promises for his life – and ended up becoming a slave in Egypt. However, the same Bible verse provides the key to overcoming envy:
“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him.” (Acts 7:9)
Despite the envy of his brothers and the injustices he suffered, God was with Joseph and delivered him from all his tribulations to the point that he was later raised from slave to second-on-command to Pharaoh (see Genesis 41:39-45). Any human being is subject to both being envied and feeling envious, but those who develop a true communion with God are able to combat efficiently this evil, for only the Spirit of God can really protect and strengthen us.
Do you feel like you have been envied, or are you noticing some signs of envy in yourself? What if you could protect yourself from this negative feeling? This Friday, 4 October, we are taking part in a Chain of Prayer to Combat and Protect Against Envy. Through strong prayers and practical spiritual advice based on the Bible, you will learn how to bulletproof yourself against this kind of negativity. We invite you to bring a pillowcase, which will be blessed, and we will determine that, by faith, you will have peaceful nights.
Click here for more details about this purpose and join us as we fight envy together! We see you at your nearest Universal Church!
Event: The Chain of Prayer to Combat and Protect Against Envy
Day and Time: Friday, 4 October at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am & 3pm)
Location: At your local Universal Church
