Posted on 11/04/2006 1:40:19 PM PST by Salvation
"Blessed are those who have lots of stuff."
You and I both know that stuff does not make a person here on earth happy, nor does it lead to eternal life in heaven.
Even Jesus Christ tells us in the Beatitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
From "The Paradise of the Holy Fathers"
"BROTHER: What is envy?
ABBA: Hatred toward the virtues of other folk, and wickedness towards the good, and a bitter mind towards the innocent, and anger against those who are prosperous in this world, and the cloaking of the upright conduct of those who repent, and vexation with the peace of the lovers of God."
Excellent.
I was series.
"Erm. Is it envy if you wish you had as much as someone else has? Without taking anything from them?
Let's say my best friend "Mike" has all kinds of good stuff in life.
Is it envy if I think "More Power to Mike, I wish I was like him!"?"
That is exactly envy.
Is there anything missing from that answer? Why the hatred? What is the motivation for the wickedness? What causes the anger?
I had a talk about it with my priest some years back, when we were living on beans. He said it wasn't "covetousness" to want a van, a lawn tractor, and some meat for supper, unless you wanted to take them away from the neighbors!
Odd. I never think of taking anything from my neighbors. I suppose some people are disposed to such behavior. I know children are more easily disposed to coveteousness. What disposes a person to envy?
Great summary! It probably says something similar, although less poetic, in the Baltimore Catechism, and in the Presbyterian Shorter Catechism, as well.
Until the last 75 years or so, Christian congregations or denominations addressed sin in very concrete and distinct terms. I think it's very helpful.
What is the most common form of envy in today's society?
:(
OK. I guess I should try to be satisfied with what I've got.
My life is a durn sight better than some I've seen.
I shall try to be grateful.
Not at all.
Right, and envy is a social sin.
**Why the hatred? What is the motivation for the wickedness? What causes the anger?**
Isn't all sin built on a lack of love?
Therefore, with envy, there is no love, because we lust for the articles of the world.........no love there. (Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.)
No, neither do I. It probably is related to the abundance of material goods available to us. If I want a lawn tractor exactly like the Carters', I can go to Home Depot and buy one. If I want a pool like theirs, I know who the contractor is.
The commandment against "covetousness" in the strict sense - "I want HIS stuff" - is still relevant when applied to coveting your neighbor's wife, since a wife is an individual person, or perhaps his house, which is not instantly duplicable.
I think that's why we hear more about "greed" than about "covetousness," even though they're not identical concepts.
What disposes a person to envy?
That's the big question, isn't it? We're told somewhere in the Bible that envy was the sin that led the angels to fall, so it's clearly foundational as a choice against God.
Excellent point. "Never love anything that can't love you back," as Don Aslett says.
Love does cover a multitude of sins, but a knowledge of causes is part of wisdom.
I'm generally a loving person. So are my children. But my understanding of love may blind me from my faults.
I like that quote.
1. I live in what most people would consider a great country. Texas.
2. I enjoy pretty good health. Not perfect, but pretty good. I don't have any chronic conditions.
3. I'm not all that damn smart, but the powers that be did not gift me with mental retardation either.
4. I have beer.
5. Did I mention beer? Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. - Benjamin Franklin.
This examination of envy and my own life has convinced me that I am, and should be, happy. Further, I do not, and should not, envy anyone. Thanks to all.
**But my understanding of love may blind me from my faults.**
Yes, unless one is willing to undergo an examination of one's own conscience frequently.
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