Envious of the World Around You

When we see the world around us having things that entice and make us envious of what they have, consider how they got them. When we do that, we are competing with those who rob, loot, kill, or use influence to bribe others to do what they want. Envy is one of the seven deadly sins.

The wealth of drug sellers carries on by the addiction and misery of people that are enticed into using and becoming habituated on the substance. The addict will do almost anything to get money for the next dose. Junkies will often turn to theft and murder to get what they want. Innocent family members, friends, and strangers become targets, also victims of drug addiction. Don’t fret, even dealers aren’t immune to repercussions of drugs the drug trade. They may not use these destructive substances, but must be constantly wary that someone might rip them off, kill them, take the stash, and be wary of others who want to take over their business. Then there are those who have allowed their greed to lead them to the point they commit murder on demand…abortionists.

Some folk steal from their employers. I knew one man who smuggled enough nails out of his job to build his new home. Another lady stole silverware, plates, and bowls from a cafeteria to serve eight, also supplying her home with sugar and seasonings in single packets to use daily in cooking at home.

I wince when I think of the people who traffic in the sex trade, especially those who take innocent children to abuse and sell. I have no compassion for them and have no condemnation for inmates assaulting these callous perverts while in jail.

Crooked politicians who sell influence to the highest bidders are little more than snake oil salesmen. They smile and tell customers they have a cure, when what they are selling is often little more than sickness or poison. Politicians who proclaim they are there for the good of the people often only help are their family and friends, while helping themselves to tax dollars. Shady deals, deals made with inside information, and selling of influence have lately become the norm and not the exception.

Our Sunday school lesson was on Psalm 37. It advises the reader, “Not to fret of evildoers, neither envious against the workers of iniquity…” and “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those who wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”

“The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him… But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off…But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; he is their strength in time of trouble.”