The Meyer Method

Envy is rottenness to the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Everyone is vulnerable to jealousy. The famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer, who struggled with it, found only one solution. Meyer often preached at D. L. Moody’s Bible Conference in Northfield, Massachusetts, where he was popular and drew large crowds. But one day another well-known Bible teacher, Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, was invited to preach at Northfield.

To Meyer’s consternation, Morgan’s audiences were larger. Meyer confessed to his friends that he was tempted to feel envious of Morgan, but he said, “The only way I can conquer my feelings is to pray for him daily, which I do.”

Why is it we feel a secret inner cringing when our close friend wins a free trip to Hawaii? When our coworker gets a raise? When our buddy wins the MVP trophy? When our best friend’s child gets the starring role in the play?

Envy isn’t just an inner emotion; it’s a sinful attitude. Mark tells us that the chief priests handed Jesus over to be crucified “because of envy” (Mark 15:10). If you’re envious of someone today, try the Meyer method—pray for that person. It’s hard to envy someone while asking God to bless him!