Envying Evil?

Why would anyone envy evil?  Well, if we are Christ-followers, we would never do this intentionally.  But that’s the point – the work of evil in the life of a follower of Christ is subtle.  Take for instance the Oscar telecast last Sunday night…  Believe me, I didn't spend a whole lot of time watching it.  As a matter of fact, I had just returned from a missions banquet out of town only to get in on the presentation of the last few awards – best picture, etc.  Interestingly, I personally experienced the enormous contrast in experiences – from an event for raising monies to reach lost people around the world to worldly gloating over Hollywood entertainment.  I’ll have to admit, only for a second, my fleshly side considered the billions of dollars represented in that awards ceremony.

Let me break into these thoughts and say that my goal is not to attack the accomplishments of the movies, directors, actors and the like; such giftedness can’t be ignored, and some of which have entertained me.  Rather, much of what is projected and the monies that are spent in the end will not bring glory to God.  The summary of that evening experience for me was from an awareness of missions to an awareness of materialism.  So, before we envy the lifestyles of these rich and famous, consider the words from the wise one in Proverbs 23:17-18  – “Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.  You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.”  One version concludes verse 18, “Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.”  In other words, keeping looking up and ahead…so that you won’t ever be caught envying evil.

In what particular area of your life do you need to be challenged to continue looking up and ahead?