Rear-Ending Envy

A stylish young professional was driving around town in his brand new Ferrari.  As he stopped at the light, an old man driving a moped pulled up next to him.  The old man gazed at the sleek new car, eyes sparkling green with envy and he remarked, "That is a nice car, young man.  What kind of car is it?"  The young man proudly replied, "A Ferrari GTO."

The old man leaned in towards the car and asked, "Do you mind if I take a look at it?"  "No problem," answered the young man, "You won't see many of these driving around.  It cost more money than most people make in their entire lives."

"Why does it cost so much?" asked the old man.  "Because it goes over 200 mph.  It is the fastest street legal, production car you can buy in America."  The old man peered inside, lusting after the crisp leather seats and shining electronics before sitting back on his moped and howling with a smile, "Wooeee!  What a beautiful car!"

Just then the light turned green and the young man, having a captivated audience, decided to show off and slammed on the gas, going over 100 mph in a matter of moments.  The young man, feeling proud, looked back into his rear view mirror to see the old man in the distance but catching up.  Astonished by the speed of the moped, the young man slowed down slightly only to see the old man fly passed him.  The young man, feeling a bit competitive, hit the gas again to pull ahead of the old man to the next stop light.

As he stopped, the young man looked in his rear view mirror just as he heard a huge thud.  He quickly got out of his car to see the old man lying on the ground and the moped crunched into the back of his new car.  He ran over to the old man, "Hey man, you were flying.  Are you alright?  I'll call 911; is there anything I can do for you?"  The old man peered up from the pavement, "Yes...please...unhook... my suspenders...from you mirror."

Covetousness is a green monster that lurks around in wait to trap us in his snares.  Solomon says that, "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot (Pro. 14:30)."  It is no wonder why God commands us not to be envious of our each other but to be content with what we have: it is for our own good.  It is then no wonder why Paul would include covetousness in his list of character traits that we are to put to death (Col. 3:5-6).

What we admire and desire has a way of ensnaring and enslaving us.  We must be on guard against such ploys of the evil one to distract us from our purposes in God.  Additionally, God aks us to be content in Him.  When we are envious, we are in fact dissenting to the blessing of God.  This should not ever be so.  Let us then protect our minds and our hearts from the barbs of envy by remaining constantly vigilant in thanksgiving to the Lord!