The Sermon No One Ever Wants to Hear: Moped of Malice • How Envy is Holding You Back

Welcome to Founded in Truth Fellowship

Good morning and welcome to Founded in Truth Fellowship, a Messianic church located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We are more than just a fellowship; we are a family founded on truth and love, a place to worship God. Today, we delve into a topic perhaps uncomfortable but crucial: envy, symbolized by what we’ve playfully termed the “Moped of Malice.” While the title might seem lighthearted, the message is profound, exploring how envy can hinder our spiritual and personal growth.

A Tale of Two Traffic Systems: Italy and the USA

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Italy, a country rich in culture and history. One striking observation was the stark difference in driving behavior, particularly in Rome. Italians, especially Roman drivers, possess a unique, almost chaotic yet remarkably efficient style. What might appear as reckless to American eyes is simply a different set of unspoken rules where assertiveness and a shared understanding of getting from point A to point B prevail. The prevalence of small cars, bikes, and mopeds is notable, fitting the ancient and often narrow roads.

Mopeds, in particular, exhibit an intriguing behavior at stoplights. They often navigate to the front of the line, weaving through stationary cars with incredible agility. Surprisingly, this maneuver is generally accepted without irritation. The rationale seems to be rooted in efficiency: a moped waiting behind multiple cars only prolongs everyone’s commute. The unspoken rule appears to be “no harm, no foul” – as long as no contact is made, this efficient behavior is tolerated.

The American Reaction: A Mirror to Our Hearts

Now, contrast this with the typical American reaction. If a moped or motorcycle were to bypass a line of waiting cars at a stoplight in the United States, it would likely elicit feelings of annoyance and injustice. Thoughts like, “Who do they think they are?” or “That’s not fair, they need to get back in line” might arise. This seemingly minor traffic scenario serves as a powerful illustration of a deeper issue: our tendency towards envy and the feeling of being disadvantaged when others seem to gain an edge.

The core of this message is this: just because someone else has an advantage, success, or blessing does not mean something has been taken away from you. Our outrage at another’s perceived gain often stems from a sense of loss or the feeling that the playing field isn’t level. This reaction reveals a heart susceptible to envy, a destructive emotion that goes beyond simply wanting what others have; it often harbors a desire for their advantage to be removed.

The Destructive Nature of Envy: A Biblical Perspective

Biblically, envy is portrayed as a root of much human downfall. This delusion that another’s success diminishes our own worth threatens our sense of identity. The typical response is a desire to “level down” the perceived threat, to bring others back to our perceived level. This feeling of “not fair” can lead us to create negative narratives about others, wishing for their setbacks.

Envy often walks hand-in-hand with feelings of inferiority. When we witness another’s blessing or advantage, we might interpret it as a reflection of our own inadequacy. This can lead to feelings of being robbed, motivations for perceived justice (often skewed), and ultimately, judgment in the form of gossip, ill will, sabotage, or even violence.

Biblical Examples of Envy’s Poison

• Adam and Eve: Even in the perfect setting of the Garden of Eden, the serpent tempted Eve by suggesting God was withholding something good – the knowledge of good and evil. This fostered a sense of lack and a desire to be like God, leading to disobedience.
• Cain and Abel: God showed favor to Abel’s offering over Cain’s, leading Cain to feel inferior and that God’s favor was a limited resource. Instead of striving to please God himself, Cain’s envy escalated to murder, as he sought to eliminate the perceived threat to his status.
• Joseph’s Brothers: Jacob’s obvious favoritism towards Joseph, symbolized by the extravagant coat, ignited intense envy in his brothers. Feeling their value diminished, they ultimately sold Joseph into slavery.
• Korah: Despite serving in the tabernacle as a Levite, Korah became envious of Aaron’s appointment as the high priest. His envy led to a rebellion against God-ordained leadership, resulting in his and his followers’ demise.
• The Pharisees: These religious leaders developed a system based on meticulously following their interpretation of the law, creating a hierarchy of perceived righteousness. Jesus’ teachings and miracles threatened their established power and status, leading to envy and ultimately, their plot to kill Him. Pilate himself recognized that envy was the primary motivation behind Jesus’ arrest.
• The Tulsa Race Massacre: This tragic event in American history can be seen, in part, through the lens of societal envy. The thriving African American community of Greenwood, known as Black Wall Street, with its affluence and success that surpassed the white standard in Tulsa, may have become a target of envy, creating an environment where the false accusation against a young black man served as a catalyst for horrific violence and destruction. The desire to dismantle their success and perceived advantage fueled the devastating attack.

The Cycle of Envy: Comparison, Entitlement, and Malice

Envy is often fueled by comparison. We see someone else’s blessing – a new job, a nice house, a loving family – and instead of celebrating with them, envy provokes a sense of entitlement: “They got that, so I should have it too.” This can quickly escalate to feelings of superiority and arrogance: “I deserve it more than they do.” This entitlement grants us a twisted permission to judge others and feel justified in our negative thoughts and actions towards them.

The progression from envy to malice is a dangerous one. Unchecked envy festers into bitterness, ultimately manifesting as malice – a desire for harm to come to the object of our envy. This can manifest in subtle ways like gossip and ill will or in more overt forms of sabotage and even violence.

Breaking Free: Practical Steps to Overcome Envy

Overcoming envy is a conscious and ongoing process. Here are five key principles to apply in our daily lives:

• Recognize the Reality of Envy: When feelings of resentment or unfairness arise, take a moment to examine the source. Ask yourself why you feel this way. Be aware that external sources, like social media and outrage-driven media, often exploit our innate tendencies towards comparison and envy. Remember, you rarely know the full story behind someone else’s success or blessings, including the hardships they might have endured.
• Know Your Value in God: Many times, envy stems from a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy. Understand that your worth is not determined by comparing yourself to others or by the possessions you have. As 1 Corinthians 7:23 reminds us, “you were bought at a price – the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ – demonstrating your immeasurable value in God’s eyes.”
• Give Thanks: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to envy. When you feel envy creeping in, intentionally stop and give thanks – even for the person you are envious of and for the blessings in your own life.
• Be Generous: Break the cycle of constantly seeking more for yourself by focusing on giving to others. Generosity reveals the true condition of your heart.
• Focus on God’s Purpose for You: Be absorbed in what God is doing in and through your life. Recognize that envy is a distraction from your divine calling.

A Call to Action

Let us not allow the “moped of malice” – the spirit of envy – to cause us to stumble. Instead, let us cultivate hearts of gratitude, recognize our inherent worth in God, and focus on His purposes for our lives.

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