We start envy at a young age, with envy of possessions. We see another kid with a toy we want and we aren’t happy until we can have it. I can remember fighting over who had more Play Doh with my sister, and it got so heated that my parents brought out a scale to weigh our pieces. After divvying it up, and seeing that it was equal, I no longer wanted to play with it. This bugged me enough that it is still one of my youngest memories. I wanted to just give it all to my sister, but I was too angry. Then afterwards, I felt guilt and shame. It was a valuable lesson, I realized that I cared more about my sister than a stupid piece of Play Doh.
Later, we feel envy about other’s qualities, their popularity, or their looks, or their athletic abilities. They might exude another sin, pride, but we feel envy, wishing we had what they seem to have without effort. If it makes you work harder or appreciate talent, then it is no longer envy, but inspiration. If it spurs jealousy, hate, or bitterness, then envy creates a toxic environment of gossip, slander, and unhealthy interactions with those you are envious of.
Then there is the irrational envy of luck. If you believe luck comes to those that are prepared, then your envy comes from your own sloth. If you believe that luck is dumb, then how dumb are you to envy pure chance?
Envy is ugly, it provides no gain, it ensures only sadness and disappointment. Letting go of envy, can instil generosity, inspiration, and even an openness to favourable opportunities… maybe even luck? When envy strikes you, what can you do to reshape the ugliness into a gift that inspires you to be better, or to wish the other person continued success?
7 Sins Series
