24 Sep 2011 10 Comments

Free from the Stronghold of Envy

Envy covets. It lies, and it steals. This demonic stronghold harbors jealousy, gossip, hate, division, greed, resentment and much more. It wants what you have. It will stop at nothing to get it if possible. Envy is a root cause of some types of depression.

"Envy", the movie, is a comedy depicting a man who's neighbor becomes successful.

Parents may try to keep up appearances by giving in when a child demands what another child has. But this is giving in to envy — it is destructive. It can even have a backlash effect. And that’s what Satan wants.

Envy does not know an age. It manifests later in life in forms of regret, hate, insecurity, bitterness, blame, and other emotional strongholds. It makes excuses. It’s fed by commercialism, selfishness and apathy. It needs to be stopped.

Envy isn’t pretty. Jesus knew this demonic stronghold, set into their hearts, coerced the Jews into crucifying him. Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

Envy has a color.

Biblical tips to overcome envy:

1. Be grateful.  When we’re grateful we see things differently. Gratitude reaps rewards.

1 Corinthians 2:8-9 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.  ⁹But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].

2. Be at peace. Peace with God, others, and ourselves gives us rest and satisfaction.

Proverbs 14:30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

3. Be satisfied with what you have. There is much to learn and teach when we recognize God’s providence in our lives.

Hebrews 13:5 Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.”

4. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Crave the Good News and God’s way of doing things. In this way you will replace any destructive thoughts or behavior. Joy overtakes envy.

Ephesians 5:17-20 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. ¹⁸Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit ¹⁹by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. ²⁰Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Ask God to fill you with wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4

James 3:14-17 But if you are bitterly jealous and filled with self-centered ambition, don’t brag. Don’t say that you are wise when it isn’t true. ¹⁵That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It belongs to this world. It is self-centered and demonic. ¹⁶Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil.  ¹⁷However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere.

6. Conform to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It’s a process that may take time. Don’t worry. God is patient.

Galatians 5:25-26 If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. ²⁶We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.

Romans 2:4 Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don’t you realize that it is God’s kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?

Read the first 100 pages of Escape the Hezbollah and get your FREE study guide booklet, Biblical Solutions for Social and Cultural Issues in Our World Today written by Pola Muzyka.

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by Pola in Christian Authors, Envy Tags: Biblical Advice, Biblical Encouragement, Christian Authors, Christian Blogs, Demon, Demonic Stronghold, Demonic Strongholds, Envy, Good News, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jews, lifestyles, Pola Muzyka's Blog, Satan, Stronghold Smasher, Stronghold Smashers