July 16 - The Evil Eye.

Proverbs 28:22
“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
 
When another church member drives on the parking lot in a brand new car or the lady we share a pew with has a new dress or handbag, something within us creates the desire for more. Suddenly, we find ourselves wishing we were driving new shiny car, wearing a new dress, and carrying a new matching designer bag.
 
James 4:5
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?”
 
The evil eye of envy is engraved within our being.
None of us are exempt from lusting after that which we do not have.
 
Galatians 5:17
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
 
Our flesh desires many things that we simply do not need.
Envying the prosperity of others will cause poverty to come to us. Before we become poor by trying to be rich, we must reevaluate our needs verses our wants.
 
The best solution for defeating the evil eye of envy is to learn to be content with what we have.
 
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 27-28  |  2 Timothy 1  |  Proverbs 16