Envy Will Cause you to Slip

“But as for me, 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

In a heartbreaking story titled “Runner died falling off knife-edge ridge while picking up his dog” published by BBC News yesterday, it was reported that a dad-of-three training for a 100-mile race fell to his death from a knife-edge mountain ridge while reaching for his dog, an inquest has heard.

Thomas Smith, 36, suffered "catastrophic" injuries when he plummeted from Crib Goch ridge on Yr Wyddfa - Snowdon - on 16 August.

His partner, Shelly Price, told the hearing in Caernarfon Thomas lived an "incredibly active life" and was "excited" about the route.

She said the plasterer, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was due to climb Yr Wyddfa twice in one day as part of his training for an ultra marathon the following weekend. The inquest was there was "perfect visibility" that day.

Shelly Price said she had spoken to him on the phone that morning after he had taken the Watkin Path to the summit."He was very excited about the rest of the day," she said.

Walker Stuart Alder was also on Crib Goch, which reaches 3,028ft (923 metres), at about 11:30 BST with his two children when he saw Smith with his spaniel.

He told the inquest: "The man leaned forward and reached for the dog. He lost his footing and tripped and fell off the ledge."

He called 999.

Fellow hiker Connor Holler was carrying a large first aid kit with trauma equipment, and managed to reach Smith. He said, "it was instantly apparent that he had suffered catastrophic injuries". He bandaged Smith's head, but he then stopped breathing and had no pulse.

And, you know, as sad as this story is, it serves as a reminder that, despite our best attempts to stay on course, we can lose our footing in the blink of an eye and reap the consequences from doing so. The same can be said in our spiritual lives as well—something David attested to when he said, “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” David went on to relay what he saw.

"They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." Psalm 73:4-17 NIV

Thankfully for David, the Lord helped him to understand the consequences that awaited those people he had envied or begrudged for their seemingly ideal life in this world (Psalm 73). He came to realize that those who were far from God in this world never really gained anything of infinite value.

“Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Psalm 73:27-28

You see, there's nothing in this world that will last into eternity—no fame, no fortune, no popularity, and no prosperity. And those who are far away from God will perish alongside all those who remained near to God. 

But this is the deal, those who made the sovereign Lord their refuge in this life will inherit eternal life and all the riches of God’s kingdom to come, thereby trading the comforts of the world for the treasures of heaven. But those who chose to embrace the comforts of this world (the ones we are prone to envy because of their seemingly carefree life) will bring upon themselves eternal damnation.

 And considering that eternity is forever, those who chose to follow God were the wiser.  They were actually the ones to be envied in the end. Wouldn't you agree? 

So, refuse to envy or be jealous of the wicked my friend. They may appear to have it all while they are here on this earth, but you can be sure that their success is very short-lived, and in the end they will find they actually had nothing. Follow the Lord and stay near to Him at all times so you can keep your footing and prevent slipping into a spiritual death. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this reminder that those who live for the world will perish, but those who live for you will have eternal life. Help us to be content in this life Lord, and to know that any suffering or hardships we go through are not only working for our good but will be distant memories when we enter into heaven with You. Help us to stay faithful in this life God, that we won’t lose our footing and be counted among those who will perish in the end. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!