BIBLE READING : Proverb 22; 23; 24; 2 Corinthians 8
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long” Proverb 23:17 (KJV).
It is unthinkable that one should envy sinners. Sin may look attractive at facial look but hidden in the seemingly attractive and tempting sight is a very deadly poison. Most people will dread sin if the true picture shows at first sight. It is the packaging of sin that makes it look attractive to ignorant people. No matter how beautifully and nicely poison is packaged no sane person will ever admire or desire it. Since sin is worst than poison, it will require insanity, deception or ignorance to admire it simply because of the packaging. It is shocking therefore that a Christian could desire sin so much as to envy sinners. Such person has the feeling of missing out of fun and so disadvantaged.
To envy sinners is a slap on the cross and an insult on righteousness. I once had a conversation with a Christian sister who confessed that she was missing her past sinful life. To be missing one’s former sinful lifestyle and sin partners is a clear sign that one is envying sinners. When one’s heart and soul are not weaned from sin, the attraction of sin will be strong and the temptations to return to sin will be so appealing. The strength and potency of temptation is the hidden desire for sin. Where there is a strong desire for righteousness, the grip of sin and secret envy of sinners will be broken.
PRAYER : Dear Lord, kill every secret desire for sin in my heart in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu