Avoid envying those without Christ

Fret not thyself because of evil men, 
neither be thou envious at the wicked: 
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; 
the candle of the wicked shall be put out. 
Proverbs 24:19-20

Have you ever found a bible verse that you feel as if you have missed or never fully comprehended? This is one such verse, I had never really thought enough about it and its time I did. These are important verses to understand. 

Have you ever envied someone else, just a little. I think we all have from time to time. That person who gets the promotion and you think you (or perhaps you husband) should have got it as you work so much harder than the other. Why do their unethical or immoral behaviour go unnoticed when you follow all the rules and still miss out. 

When we envy the wicked people around us, people who do not know Jesus as their Saviour, we fall into the common trap of looking only at the here and now and not focusing on the eternal. 

We also full into the trap of thinking that God has over looked these people and their sins but he never appears to overlook ours. Rest assured, God knows all the wicked, those who break the law, hurt others for their own benefit or even a rebellious nation and you can be certain, he is fully aware of the crooked, cynical politicians, merchants of war and those that lie to avoid trouble.

Proverbs 24-20 reminds us so clearly that there is no future hope for those without Christ and that we must NEVER envy these sinful people, what they have will not bring us happiness or joy and certainly not contentment. 

All the money and success and favour in the world cannot possibly compare with the peace and contentment we posses and what is to come. 

If you have been tempted to envy someone who doesn't know Jesus, remember that they have no future hope unless they are born from above. Whilst they may have a big house, go on lots of holidays or appear to be rolling in cash, they do not have what you have — the richness and joy of knowing our beloved Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our hearts cannot be sustained by worldly comfort. We stand, in faith, for an eternal day of joy — a joy in God himself. May we rejoice in Him and sing His praises.