Genesis
4:1-8
Envy is such an ugly emotion. It drives a wedge between us; and between us
and happiness. Envy impedes our ability
to appreciate the things which God has given us and it blinds us to the gifts
presented by those around us.
When I started this series on the
seven deadly sins, I did not anticipate envy being one of the seven I would
come to fear the most. But I have.
Envy enters the story of humanity
early. I read for you the encounter between
Cain and Abel. It is probably an
over-simplification to say that envy alone lead to the murder. Jealousy is another face of envy – we want
for ourselves the social position of another.
The story from Genesis 4 is troubling in many ways. Not the least significant is wondering why
God openly preferred the offering of Abel to the offering of Cain. That doesn’t seem fair, does it? Cain had worked just as hard. The only real difference is he chose to dig
in the dirt rather than herd sheep.
The story of Cain and Abel is
troubling. There are many additional questions
we would like to have answered. The one
question which is clearly answered is how wrong things will go when we leave
unchecked our envy of another’s praise.
St Thomas Aquinas wrote of a beginning,
progression, and conclusion to our struggle with envy. It begins with a desire or attempts to lower
the other person’s reputation. Again,
left unchecked, we progress to receiving joy at the misfortunes of the
other. Where does all this lead? To hatred.
Because “sorrow causes hatred.”
Bertrand Russell said “Envy was one
of the most potent causes of unhappiness.”
And it doesn’t have to be. Go back to the story of Cain and Abel. Even if God was more appreciative of the gift
of Abel, that didn’t mean there wasn’t room in his heart for Cain. When the cold winter sets in, even God is
going to be moved by the prospect of a few fresh turnips. Our happiness or worth are not in competition
with those around us. This isn’t a cup
capable of only holding so much.
When I first read through the list
of seven deadly sins, I found myself responding based on what I had been taught,
as a child, to avoid the most. Envy wasn’t
one of the first to concern me. But is
ought to have been.
In the writings of St. Paul, envy is
prominent. Paul speaks of our desire for
that which rightfully belongs to God. We
covet the ability to provide for ourselves.
We are resentful at the inability of our works and our words to bring
salvation. Paul knew that grace evades
us precisely because we do not want to admit our inability to accomplish for
ourselves.
Envy separates us from one
another. It separates us from ourselves.
And it even separates us from the love of God.
It is truly a deadly sin.
Amen.
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