As we consider the meaning of the death of Jesus—intended by God as the death of all envy—and the power of His resurrection, intended as the basis for the proclamation of the gospel of life, what should we do? In the light of this, how should we live in community with one another?
Here is a fundamental rule of thumb to test whether you are living in accordance with gospel logic. What is your attitude toward people who excel you in anything? It might be the creation of wealth, it might be artistic giftedness, or it might be their ability to live comfortably with others. It could be anything. What is your attitude toward that? Does that kind of thing cause you to spur yourself on in glad imitation? Do you rejoice in what God has given to others? Do you want to grow to be like that, joining them in the pursuit of God-honoring excellence?
Or do you carp and criticize? Do you accuse them of cheating? Do you search out those who have conspired to make you come in third? Do you goad yourself with an envy prod to help you try to catch up with them? And if that is not possible, do you try to drag them down to your level, if only in your heart?
It is this attitude that the cross of Christ puts to death. And when it is put to death, a great deal of the trouble in the world is put to death along with it. Christians who understand gospel logic should be, taking one thing with another, the most accomplished and least envious people in the world. That is what the cross represents and means.