Envy has a much deeper meaning than just wanting something that another owns. It implies to Christ that His love is not enough, and his finished work on the Cross did not make you complete.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines the word envy is the following way:

“Feeling or harboring envy; repining or feeling uneasiness, at a view of the excellence, prosperity or happiness of another; pained by the desire of possessing some superior good which another possesses, and usually disposed to deprive him of that good, to lessen it or to depreciate it in common estimation.”

In plain English, this refers to harboring such deep feelings of envy and jealousy towards another on account of his assets, relationships, or even personal characteristics that you attempt to cheapen these objects in other people’s opinions, or even attempt to take these characteristics away from the person.

Unfortunately, when a person becomes envious he loses sight of the things that God has given him. Inevitably, discontent arises and ultimately he will compromise his morals, faith, and sometimes his very life in his attempt to achieve these things.

Envy is one of Satan’s oldest tricks in the book. It was envy which made Eve want to be like God. Envy prompted Jacob to trick Esau so he could steal his father’s birthright. Envy was the reason David committed adultery with Bathsheba.

The ancient Greek writer of fables, Aesop, is the attributed author of the following tale that clearly warns of the dangers of envy.

“Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he was no match for the three so long as they kept together.

So he began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well that ere long the Bulls grew cold and unfriendly, and finally avoided each other and fed each one by himself apart.

No sooner did the Lion see this than he fell upon them one by one and killed them in turn.

The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.”

Satan is constantly attempting to divide and conquer believers. By causing us to become envious and jealous of one another, he can destroy relationships and create a bad witness to the unsaved world around us.

Because of the sin of envy, many Christians have compromised their standards, faith, and relationship to God. Never allow this opposite of genuine love to come between you and your Savior.

Christ has provided everything you need to be content in Him. Trust Him with your life and He will reward you beyond your wildest dreams.

This article is part of the “Love Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13″ series. You can view the introduction to the series here.