“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy , slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20b-23)

In Mark 7:22 Jesus classified envy along with the other deadly defiling sins. Having the same root as malice, envy is literally an “evil eye,” wishing calamity on one who is experiencing joy and success. Envy is self-oriented and self-destroying, a corrupting influence preventing one from moving forward. Those who are envious of others fail to grasp the value of their own circumstances and opportunities, thus perpetuating discontent, resentment, bitterness, and inaction, all which are ingredients for failure and despair. In contrast, serving leaders repel envy by counting their blessings. For them, gratitude is the key ingredient to satisfaction. Serving leaders also don’t compare themselves with others or associate with those who constantly value the wrong things. They focus on serving others rather than pursuing personal gain. Serving leaders replace envy with generosity and combat jealousy by celebrating others’ success.

KEY QUESTIONS: What do I feel inside when others experience success? What are ten blessings I have already experienced today? To whom will I express gratitude for them? How can I practically serve others today? Who needs me to join them in celebrating their success?