“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.” (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)
The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider valid the instructions of his Creator. The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.
Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road? Yes! We feel sin’s tug because of our humanity. However, we were created for grander purposes. Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.
To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to be continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 