Envy Out Of Prosperity In America

“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:14-16)

The Roman historian Sallust in writing about the Roman Empire said, “When their state, sustained by laws, customs, and lands was seen to be wealthy and powerful, envy arose out of prosperity, as it does in most affairs of mortal men. Neighboring kings and people therefore undertook warfare.”

This is the same problem the United States has today. But I suggest that the most dangerous enemy is not from without, but within. Envy has arisen out of prosperity. The fires of class warfare are being flamed and enraged. 

Politics and policies are now justified simply on the basis of ones’ financial status. Not law, truth or what is right, but rather we now perpetuate a system of government that takes from those who have simply because they have it. This is nothing but envy which creates strife and causes people to lie against the truth to obtain what they want.

President Obama said, “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money”. Why? And at what point is “enough money”? 

Assuredly, “enough” is a floating standard that will do nothing but lower as the system quickly drains the pool of people with taxable (or should I say take-able) resources. One year $200,000 is too much money. Then it will be $100,000 and then it will be $75,000 and so on and so until any amount will be too much. 

The end result? No more prosperity and yet a still envious, strife stricken people lying against the truth.

This is envy. James calls it, “earthly, sensual, devilish”. It is rooted in temporal lusts and not of a right and righteous spirit. It is a sin.