Detail from Seven Deadly Sins––Envy, Hieronymus Bosch
Here’s a verse in Ecclesiastes I don’t much like:
And I saw that all labor and all achievement springs from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after wind.*
Really? Is there nothing we do that isn’t motivated by envy?
Or, if that’s the case, is there a time when envy isn’t negative? We have to be doing something! Laziness leads to ruin.
Maybe a touch of competition is just the thing to make the difference between couch potato and furniture designer.
And who, in any field, isn’t aware of the champions in that field, living or dead, that set the standards for excellence? Anything wrong with that?
Unless it undermines our tranquility . . . without which life isn’t much fun.
And who is my neighbor? The one I’m competing with?
But, I say, I’m not competing, he is! There have been moments when I’ve recognized that I’m the cause of someone else’s jealousy. I don’t like that. I want to say, “Lighten up, there’s enough to go around.” Or, “Okay, it’s my time now; it’ll be your time after awhile.”
But we want it to be our time all the time.
In the human race, can’t we all win? There are plenty of prizes, just different categories. If I can win my particular race by just a fraction of a second, well, that’s still a goal worth striving for. Isn’t it?
Or is it just more chasing after wind?
The wind always wins!
I’m jealous.
________________________
*Ecclesiastes 4:4
Next: The Value of a Good Name. Coming Thursday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:41 am
From my observation, I think that there are (thankfully) those who -through either their early childhood training or their own personal declarations – continually express wonder and enjoy the discovery process without any consideration for envy. The problem with winning is that our competitive culture sets up a construct for achievement that guarantees someone has to lose. From my perspective that undermines the genius of humanity. So there.
9:26 am
Sometimes it is best to just compete against ourselves and maintain our own standard of excellence. I want to design a couch that looks like a split baked potato.The cushions and pillows could be pats of butter.
10:00 am
The secret of success in God’s economy is, “Love God – love people.” Anything done independantly from God is devoid of love and undermines our peace of mind. Good things done without God’s direction are like plastic fruit. It looks good on the outside until you discover what’s underneath the surface…usually pride.
10:53 am
The difficult seasons in life, for me, loosen my grip on the “stuff” of this world and, at the same time, reshape me. Success takes on a different definition. Any drop of Christ’s character that becomes evident in me, is success. As a result, my tendency to set myself up to be “enviable” or to dislike my neighbor because of his gain, diminishes. Contentment, perhaps the opposite of envy, is where I want to be … that I have everything I need, this day, for my present happiness.
11:37 am
These first 3 comments made by your lovely colleagues, Hyatt, are absolutely dead on in my opinion! I loved the first one from Phil because it made me laugh, being a designer and having designed furniture!!!!!!!!!! And then the second two were just perfect in their commentary for the deeper meaning! Just perfect! I cannot think of anything to add! Thank you for this! Very very thought provoking and give much meat to this excellent written delicacy! :) Lisa
3:14 pm
Very insightful and helpful Hyatt…..as always.
Thank you,
Larry
5:48 pm
Your commentaries are always excellent Hyatt. Thank you!
The first comment by Phil Gilnsburg is evoking an uncontrollable fit of giggles.
I am so envious of wonderful senses of humor and quick wit,,,the feeling of envy in check at the moment as I roll on the floor with laughter….
7:48 am
Funny how Hieronymus Bosch is still relevant work and always seems to have life.
Good thoughts…”the wind always wins.”
Thanks,
pastor adam barton
Akron, Ohio