Let’s pause for a moment after celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reflect on something that the Lord desires to free us from: coveting and envy. Both of which hijack our ability to discern and manage our emotions and behaviors in a way that honors God (Emotional Intelligence in Christ).
After exploring with AI on this, this summary does a great job summing it up: Both envy and coveting involve desiring what someone else has, the difference lies in the focus and intent. Envy is a feeling of resentment or unhappiness at someone else’s success or possessions, while coveting is a strong desire to possess something that belongs to another. An example of envy: feeling unhappy that a friend got the promotion you wanted. An example of coveting: wanting the promotion over your colleague so badly that you will do anything to get it…including soiling their reputation.
Resentment, jealousy and bitterness are 3 serpents that usually tag along with envy. Greed, lust and possessiveness are the 3 serpents that tag along with coveting. Many times, we are not even aware we have taken the bait until we feel the negative emotions that accompany envy and coveting. Discouragement is one of the devil’s desires and uses the very thing that hurled him from heaven to snag us and divide us: coveting.
“From envy are born hatred, detraction (sin of revealing another person’s real faults to a 3rd person without a valid reason; thereby lessening the reputation of that person) calumny (make false statements about someone to damage their reputation). Joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor and displeasure caused by his prosperity.” – Gregory the Great
God saved the best commandment for last, interestingly coveting is mentioned in the 9th and 10th commandment. If we are set free from coveting, the rest of the commandments may be easier to live out…all with the power of Christ within us of course. Coveting fuels unhappiness and emotional turmoil. It’s what hurled Satan out of heaven, as he wanted to be like God. It’s what caused Eve to bite the apple, wanting to know what God knows. It’s what led the people to crucify Jesus, coveting the mass following of others.
Coveting is always fueled by fear: fear of not measuring up, not knowing enough, not having enough, or the right things for prestige, safety, respect, honor. It is the greatest commandment to pursue because it leads to our inner freedom from the mental and emotional turmoil that daily robs us from the peace that Jesus died to give us.
Take Action:
Consider that coveting is always fueled by a want and/or desire. Reflect on the following areas. What resonates with you? Which ones are familiar to you? How do you see them fuel envy and or coveting in your life? Many of our strong negative emotions are fueled by comparison which fuels envy and coveting…I want that, to be that, have that…etc.
- To be liked
- Right
- Understood
- Want to attention of others
- Desire what someone else has
- Want what another person has
- Desire to be the one who knows
- Want to be better than others
- To be picked, chosen over others
- To be first
- To be the influencer
- I want control
- To win
- Be successful, promoted
These are just a few wants and/or desires there are many more that when separated from your identity in Christ become twisted and misplaced, resulting in emotional and mental turmoil. The solution lies in what St. Paul declares in Romans 7:24-25: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Read Romans chapter 7.
Edge God in Podcast’s foundational verse is Galatians 5:1: “It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free (from envy, coveting) Stand firm and don’t allow yourself to be burdened by the yoke of slavery.” The yoke of slavery to coveting and envy…He calls us to this so we can be confident He will give us victory…ask for it.
Listen to the Edge God In Podcast: A Lenten Reflection: Freedom is Found in the 10th Commandment
Lauren E Miller, M.Ed, MSC, ICF-PCC
As a stress relief expert, award winning author, motivational speaker, HRD trainer, Edge God In podcast host, and certified executive and life coach, Lauren facilitates fun process driven programs with guidance, support and accountability creating positive sustainable behavioral change in business and personal life.
Lauren has worked in youth and adult ministries for over 30 years. Through God’s mercy, grace and strength, she uses her experience simultaneously conquering two of life’s top stressors: cancer and divorce to help others destress and successfully move through challenges.
Happily, remarried and gratefully enjoying life in Colorado with a loving husband, three grown children and two grandchildren, Lauren is often found in the kitchen dancing to her favorite worship music or rolling around on the floor with her two dogs.
Lauren holds a Masters in Adult Education with a Certification in Human Resources Development | Advanced Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Basic & Master Certification | Faculty Shift Leadership Training | Master Sherpa Executive Coach (MSC) and ICF Certification PCC | 2nd degree blackbelt World Tae Kwon Do
Lauren has produced 8 CD’s and five 3 minute/30 day Audio/Visual Personal Excellence/Wellness Programs. She has authored 9 books, 3 of which are Award Winning:
- Hearing His Whisper…with every storm Jesus comes too
- 99 Things You Want To Know Before Stressing Out!
- Stop Letting the World Be the Boss of You! 25 Solutions to Refresh Your Identity in Christ
Edge God In Podcast: http://EdgeGodIn.com
