Josh Waller (@JoshWaller)

We have been making our way through Genesis at Christ the King for a while now and, having gotten about two thirds of the way through, I have noticed an unexpected theme: envy. It begins in the garden and seems to play a major role in nearly every story in the book. The next question I had to ask, as someone attempting to apply God’s Word to the lives of those entrusted to me, was why this theme is ubiquitous. My conclusion is, of course, that it is a common sin. More than that, though, is that it goes directly against one of the primary things God cares about: unity in the body. Jesus prayed for peace and unity in the body, but what we often find is backbiting, bickering, petty arguments, rivalry, and strife. These things all come from envy and they make healthy relationships impossible. The point was driven home recently as I read Defenders of the West by Raymond Ibrahim. A recurring theme in this work on the fight between Christendom and Islam is that when a Christian champion had the opportunity to deal a decisive blow to Islam, he was betrayed by should-be allies due to envy. Local lords, envious of the influence and glory the crusader had gained, either ignored requests for help or actively worked with the Islamic enemies to undercut the Christian because they’d rather see their “rival”—actually, their brother and ally—be killed or captured than endure hearing him praised for effectively fighting the enemies of Christ. In other words, envy is not simply a common sin in the Bible, but in your life and mine. Not only does envy undercut Christian unity, but, in doing so, envy undercuts the effect of unity: a strong church that is able to do great things for the kingdom and glory of God. We are commanded to disciple the nations, but we find ourselves bickering more often than proclaiming Christ. We must resolve never to undermine faithful brothers, whether or not we are allies in their minds. It would do the church and the world a great deal of good if God’s people supported one another.