Author: Mike Fabarez

It's often undetected—but if you knew the damage it was causing, you'd do everything possible to root it out!

Envy. It's insidious. Pervasive. Corrosive. In the age of materialism and social media, it's difficult not to feel the creep of this increasing and ever-present temptation. Pastor and teacher Mike Fabarez diagnoses the problem of this pervasive sin. He brings the reader to biblical stories with often-overlooked ties to envy that expose and demonstrate the seriousness and harm caused by our unexamined motives. When envy is allowed to reside unchecked in our hearts, there are internal, relational, and societal costs—Envy explores all of these.

But we are not left to despair. Instead, we are invited to know a kind and gracious Father who calls us to identify and assault this enemy. We can live with satisfaction and contentment. This book explores biblical ways to shore up our hearts and minds and close the gaps that leave us vulnerable to envy's temptations. By understanding life in the body of Christ, readers learn to truly rejoice with those who rejoice. And we leave with a deeper capacity for grace and selfless love. With a pastoral heart, Fabarez reassures Christians of a divine hope and promise of an eternal kingdom where hearts are content, and joy is full.

About the author:

Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church and the president of Compass Bible Institute, both located in Aliso Viejo, California. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology, and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program. He has authored several books, including 10 Mistakes People Make About Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife; Raising Men Not Boys; Lifelines for Tough Times; and Preaching That Changes Lives. Mike and his wife, Carlynn, are parents of three grown children, two sons and one daughter, and have four young grandchildren.

Endorsements:

"It takes a brave man to take on the sin of envy because the world around us is largely built on the exploitation and expansion of envy. Thankfully, Mike Fabarez is that brave man. In this faithful book, filled with biblical and pastoral wisdom, Fabarez gets right to the heart of the issue and offers keen analysis and trustworthy teaching. I highly commend this book to all believers."  ~R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This book is simply excellent. Mike Fabarez has tackled a neglected topic and successfully made the case that we all have a bigger problem with envy than we would like to admit. Using scriptural examples and imperatives, he reminds us of the biblical bottom line that 'love does not envy.' What a difference it would make if we eradicated the envy lurking in our sinful hearts and truly cultivated love of neighbor. Pastor Mike's well organized work written with a pastoral heart not only illuminates the problem but carefully provides a plan of counterattack. His insights into how we unknowingly provoke others to envy are striking too. He's right. I did not know I had a problem with envy. I do. I am glad to have this wise counsel to both admonish and encourage me."  ~Mary K. Mohler, Wife of Albert Mohler; author of Growing in Gratitude and Susannah Spurgeon

"With precise biblical insight, this book, which is skillfully written and masterfully illustrated, aids the reader in dealing with a universal core problem. It aims to not only inform but also to transform us to comprehend and experience the love of God in a fresh way—the love that uniquely frees us to know ourselves, be ourselves, and enjoy ourselves to the glory of the God who alone never disappoints!"  ~Bill Thrasher, Author and professor, Moody Theological Seminary

"If I weren't thoroughly warned, I would be tempted to envy this excellent book by Mike Fabarez. It's everything you want in a spiritual study: engaging, lively, hilarious in places, wise, humble, and above all drenched in biblical truth. Throughout, I marveled at Fabarez's communicative gifts; he has a serious God-given ability to relate to the reader, simplify the complex, and exhort the sleeping. Best of all, his call to kill envy is steeped in the powerful grace of God, which changes envious and self-worshiping creatures like us into glad-hearted servants of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  Owen Strachan, Coauthor, The Essential Jonathan Edwards; provost, Grace Bible Theological Seminary

"Most people have more stuff than ever yet feel less content. Why? Mike Fabarez challenges us to examine our hearts to look for envy, which may be robbing us of our contentment and our joy. As a friend, Mike has always inspired me to love God more and grow in spiritual maturity. As an author, he will challenge us all to evaluate our desires and replace envy with love and rejoicing. If you love Jesus and want to be more like Him, I encourage you to read this book!"  ~Thomas While, President and Professor of Theology, Cedarville University

"Someone once wisely said that envy is the last sin to die. Dr. Mike Fabarez gives weight to this truth by citing many instances in Scripture that point to this deadly sin. I especially appreciated chapter 7 and the epilogue. As a teacher and counselor of women, I look forward to having this resource."  ~Susan Heck, Author, counselor, teacher

"Like a spiritual cancer silently eroding the strength of our souls, I am convinced envy is a great enemy of many Christians who don't even know they have the disease. In this book, Mike Fabarez functions as a true physician of the soul, diagnosing the terrible sin of envy that exists in each of our hearts and prescribing the strong cure that exists in Christ alone. I hope you will read it and share it with others."  ~Heath Lambert, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL

"The title says it all: Envy: A Big Problem You Didn't Know You Had. In this book, Mike Fabarez uncovers layers of rationalization and shows that yes, we all struggle with the hidden sin of envy. He exposes this sin but also shows us the way to freedom so that we can rejoice when we hear good news about others who are more successful than we! This is a very thoughtful book; read it, and let it touch your life."  ~Erwin W. Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus, The Moody Church, Chicago

"We live in a culture saturated with and motivated by envy. Social media and our insatiable drive toward materialism have masked envy as a virtue. By using biblical truth, Fabarez removes that mask to help us see how easily we fall prey to this respectable sin and how the root sin of envy causes deep destruction in our lives. This book is both convicting and refreshing, as Fabarez provides a biblical defense to destroy envious cravings and a biblical offense to pursue godly motivations that bring freedom and life."  ~T. Dale Johnson Jr., Executive Director, The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors; Director of Counseling Programs, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminar