Why Do We Envy The Wicked Ones?

Why Do We Envy The Wicked Ones?

My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:2-3 NIV

I do not think that having riches automatically makes a person bad or good. But I think that sometimes we harbor a false perception that wealth equals “God’s Favor”. Even the disciples assumed that wealth equals godly favor. After Jesus sends away a rich man that has “kept all of the laws” in Matthew 19, the disciples ask if this guy can’t make it, “Who can be saved?” And Jesus not only raised the standard but redefined it when he answered that it is as difficult for a rich man to get into Heaven as it is for a loaded down camel to get through a small gate way (Matthew 19:24 translated). So if having (or acquiring) riches can place us at odds with God, why do we pursue them? Why do we call the rich "blessed" and the poor "cursed"?

I don't think that riches, good health or a good reputation among the social elite are any measure of who we are with God. The most important measure of our relationship with God is in whether we have accepted Christ as savior. When we became believers we began (or should have begun) to live a different way of life. We live by faith (action and attitude ordered by God), not by our own ideas and rules (2 Corinthians 5:7). We live by God's direction, not by our own plans. And furthermore, we aren't identified as the people of God because we have riches. Everyone will know we belong to God because of our love (John 13:35). We are known by our fruit (what pours out from us), not by the size of our accounts.

If you think about it, the highest desire of those that follow God is to be near to Him (Psalm 73:27-28). Why then do the people of God envy those that hate God? I think that when we see a person with riches, we sometimes get hung up on the erroneous idea that they have what belongs to us. But keep in mind that riches are only an example of the life God has for us in Heaven. Riches are only an earthly sign to explain a heavenly blessing. And I think that we get hung up on the example of blessing instead of the actual blessing. I once heard a prosperity preacher say that he doesn't want to wait, he wants his riches now. And I think that shows an incredible lack of foresight on his part. I'd rather God bless me now and in the after-life with the generosity and wisdom I know God to have. I have seen poverty and as far as I am concerned, I am experiencing wealth right now. But as for me, it is a better thing to trust and be near to the Lord, no matter my financial status.