We’ve all heard the saying “The grass is always greener on the other side.” How many times have we looked at someone else’s life and thought, “Gosh, do they have it good.” It is a natural tendency to do so. It could be because they have more money, a better job, better marriage, better kids, a better car, and on and on. But envy is an unhealthy thing. It can cause depression, withdrawal, and a whole host of other psychological and physiological issues. Beyond that it is directly addressed by God in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:17 says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” It is a human weakness, and one that Satan loves to exploit. Which is exactly what happened in the Garden of Eden. God told Adam and Eve that they could eat of any tree in the garden except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). In chapter 3, Satan casts the line of “something greener.” Did God really say you cannot eat from that tree? Temptation is an insidious thing. It starts small but can grow fast if we let it. Our minds can begin to rationalize irrational behavior because we convince ourselves that what is on the “other side” is greener and will therefore make our lives complete. And it is in that moment of weakness that our lives can implode. And then it can be too late to realize that the greenest grass is in your own yard. Eve saw the fruit. It was appealing to her eye. Then she took the next step. She took a bite and thought it was good. Sin starts that way, and at first sample, it seems good. Then Eve went to her husband and drew him in to sin. And in that moment of weakness, in verse seven, they realized they were naked. In the physical sense to be sure, but also in the spiritual sense. There was no turning back for them. They had “jumped the fence,” and would soon realize the consequences of what they had done. The world is constantly wooing us to sample its pleasures, and to let our toes touch the “greener grass.” Understand, there are many beautiful things in life and in the world which God created. He made them for us. But the things of this world are best when they are enjoyed in God’s will. Enjoyed any other way will lead to downfall. Be thankful for who you are, what you have, and above all else who He is. When you are thankful, you will see that the grass you are standing on is a blessing beyond all measure.
