“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Prov. 14:30
Lord Jesus, what a contrast—a tranquil heart, or bone-rot. Hmm… which shall we choose? On any given day, we can be discontent about anything, covetous of many scenarios, and envious of people we don’t even know. Help us!
Personally, I don’t crave my neighbor’s Ferrari or stable of horses. But I’d love to have their tinnitus-free ears, fix-anything ability, and Yoga-stretch-flexibility. I don’t dream-and-drool about having a private plane or an impressive golf game. But I’d to have a great singing voice and a photographic memory. My bones aren’t rotting with envy, but I can easily “cop” a rotten attitude.
As convicting as this verse is, it’s much more consoling. Because of you, Jesus, tranquility of heart isn’t a cruel tease, unrealistic want, or only reserved for us when you return. When I’m walking in Gospel-sanity and the Spirit, I realize all I really need is you, plus what you choose to give me (and any of us).
A perfected heart is in our future, but a Gospel-heart can beat within us more and more, and louder and louder. Even if our relationships, finances, and health were exactly where we want them to be, it wouldn’t be enough. You’ve blessed us with a “redemptive discontent” you alone can satisfy, Jesus.
Ingratitude is soul-cancer, comparison is peace-thievery, and envy is joy-sabotaging poison. Jesus, increasingly be our portion, peace, passion, and all. So Very Amen.