The Evil Three“And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
Genesis 37:11
Jealousy (which is insecurity), envy (wanting what others have) and coveting (unnatural yearning for possessions) are ugly attitudes. They have the power to destroy faith, wreck marriages, ruin friendships, and turn brother against brother. Envy, jealousy, covetousness—anger—the motivation behind the plan of Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery.
“So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28
Jealousy stems from insecurity but, Child of God, you have nothing to be insecure about.
However, jealousy is something the devil feeds on and—in this day and age—it’s all around us. We turn on the TV and there it is: the commercial offers beauty and youth in a jar. Open a magazine and there it is: the purse you must have or the perfect woman/man you aspire to look like. What hopelessness these evil three impress on our hearts and minds...our souls.
Integrity, honor, truth, thanksgiving and joy—beautiful words that speak of the nature of God and of the child of the King.
How do we keep ourselves from this onslaught of Satan? We put on the mind of Christ.
“So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”
1 Peter 1:13
Sounds good, but how do we do that?
Stay in the Word of God and see your worth in God’s eyes.
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 17:8
Surround yourself with friends who encourage you, who will speak beauty and truth into you. People who seek to build you up in the Lord.
“And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
That third cord—yeah—JESUS.
If you have a problem with any of these three—or you’re tottering at the edge—seek help. Don’t try to beat it on your own. Pray—ask Jesus to direct you to the right person.
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that you are not alone.
Never alone—
“The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but it is now disclosed to the Lord's people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27
There is nothing in this world that is not going to decay, burn or go the way of all man. So don't waste your time, money or desires on things that won't last.
“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” Ephesians 5:5
by Eve Montano