In the mid-ninth century, Michael III was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He was young and did not have much experience, but he did have a best friend named Basilius. They had met years ago when Michael was visiting the stables and Basilius was the stable hand. A horse got loose and Basilius saved Michael’s life. Michael then promoted him to be the head of the stables and lavished him with gifts. They were inseparable.
As emperor, Michael named Basilius as his chief counselor. But Basilius was covetous and envious of Michael’s lifestyle. He wanted more and more and more. Eventually, he convinced Michael that his head of the army, Bardas, was ambitious and dangerous. Michael allowed himself to be persuaded to eliminate Bardas, allowing Basilius to stab him to death. Michael then named Basilius to be the head of the army.
With this new power, prestige, and influence, Basilius was able to persuade his new followers to turn against Michael himself. While Michael was drunk, Basilius watched as his followers stabbed Michael, his former “friend,” to death.
Michael felt a sense of gratitude toward Basilius, but that feeling was not reciprocated. The power that Basilius saw exercised by Michael and those around him made Basilius want more. If we are not careful, we can spurn God’s blessings and become envious of others.
But envy often brings destruction with it. Solomon writes: “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways” (Prov. 3:31). And: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always” (Prov. 23:17).
Those who are envious are worthy of death: Romans 1:29-32. It is among the woks of the flesh: Galatians 5:21. Christians should be careful, then, about allowing envy to grow in their hearts (Gal. 5:26) and they should be careful not to make friends with the one who is envious (1 Tim. 6:4).
Paul Holland