The Battle of Envy: Staying True When the World Shouts Otherwise
Are You Fighting for Eternal Victory or Chasing Temporary Gains?
"For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." —Psalm 73:3
Brother, let’s get real for a moment. Do you ever look at the world around you—at men chasing wealth, power, and pleasure—and feel that twinge of envy? Do you ever see them seemingly thriving, while you wrestle daily to walk the narrow path, and wonder, What’s the point? It’s a dangerous feeling, one that sneaks in when you’re weary, frustrated, or feeling overlooked. But don’t be fooled—envy is a weapon the enemy wields to distract and derail you.
The psalmist Asaph felt it too. He saw the wicked prosper, and his heart grew bitter. He even questioned whether living righteously was worth it: “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence” (Psalm 73:13). Sound familiar? You’re not alone in this struggle. Every man of God faces moments where the world’s shine tempts him to trade eternal purpose for temporary pleasure. But brother, there’s a greater truth at play—one that can crush envy and reignite your passion for the fight.
The Enemy’s Strategy: Envy and the Lie of Success
The world is screaming at you every day…
“Look what you’re missing out on! Stop sacrificing; start living!”
The devil knows how to use the prosperity of the faithless as bait to lure you into despair or compromise. He whispers lies like:
“They’re happier than you’ll ever be.”
“Your hard work for God isn’t paying off.”
“Why not just ease up a little and enjoy life like they do?”
The temptation is real, and it’s relentless. 1 John 5:19 reminds us, “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” This isn’t neutral territory we’re living in—it’s a battlefield. The enemy wants you to envy what you don’t have, to fixate on earthly treasures, and to forget the eternal purpose God has for you.
Asaph’s bitterness stemmed from focusing on the apparent ease and success of the wicked. But he learned a critical lesson: the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. When Asaph turned his gaze to God, he realized the truth: “You set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin” (Psalm 73:18). The world’s success is an illusion, temporary and fragile, compared to the eternal rewards of following Christ.
The Greater Perspective: Your Role in the Eternal Battle
Here’s the truth, brother: you’re not here to live for yourself. You’ve been called into something much bigger than promotions, possessions, or personal comfort. You’re a soldier in an ancient and ongoing war—a resistance fighter behind enemy lines.
Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” When you envy the temporary pleasures of the world, you lose sight of your mission. You weren’t created to chase the world’s definition of success; you were created to fight for God’s kingdom, to stand firm against the enemy, and to claim victory for eternity.
This world isn’t your home. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” So when you’re tempted to relent, to ease up, or to envy, remember who you are—a warrior called by God, equipped for battle, and destined for eternal glory.
How to Fight Envy and Stay the Course
Turn to God First
When envy creeps in, don’t fight it alone. Like Asaph, take it to God. Cry out to Him, pour out your frustrations, and let Him realign your heart. Psalm 73:17 says that Asaph found clarity “when I went into the sanctuary of God.” In God’s presence, the illusions of the world fade, and the truth of His eternal plan comes into focus.Shift Your Perspective
Remember, what you see isn’t the whole story. The success of the wicked is temporary, but the rewards of faithfulness are eternal. Matthew 6:19-20 tells us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”Talk to Your Brothers
Envy thrives in isolation. The enemy wants you to keep it hidden, to stew in bitterness alone. Don’t let him win. Share your struggles with trusted brothers in Christ. Romans 12:11 (MSG) urges us to keep one another “fueled and aflame.” Let your brothers remind you of the truth and encourage you to press on.Refocus on Your Mission
When envy tempts you to slow down or compromise, remind yourself of the eternal stakes. Every act of faithfulness, every sacrifice, every step of obedience advances God’s kingdom. Your efforts are not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 promises, “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
A Call to Action: Fight for the Greater Prize
Brother, the battle is real, and the stakes are high. The world’s shine is deceptive, and its pleasures are fleeting. Don’t trade your eternal inheritance for temporary trinkets. When envy whispers, rise up and declare, “I’m part of something far greater than what this world can offer.”
Take time today to examine your heart. Are you harboring envy? Are you discouraged by the success of the wicked? If so, bring it into the light. Talk to God, talk to your brothers, and refocus on the mission. You’re not here to envy the world—you’re here to change it.
Reflection Questions:
Where have you allowed envy to take root in your heart?
How can you refocus on your eternal mission today?
Who can you talk to about your struggles to stay fueled and aflame for the battle ahead?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another to stand strong in this fight.
Your brother in Christ,
Matthew Adams
