Covetousness, envy, greed, wanting what others have. All are certainly "human" characteristics, but that doesn't make them desirable characteristics. Not only are these characteristics indicative of a starving spiritual life, but they are also characteristics which health experts indicate lead to physical stress. The constant struggle with greed and envy brings "stress" upon the body. While these may be natural characteristics, they are, nonetheless, characteristics of our "fallen" nature.
Stress is not altogether a "bad". I recall a story of a mother who's child was trapped under a concrete slab during a tornado. As the emotional stress took effect (heart rate increased, breathing increases bringing more oxygen to muscles, blood flow to your brain and muscles increases up to 400 percent, digestion stops.. to conserve energy, & muscle tension increases) this mother found the physical strength to lift a slab, which later took 3 men to move.
Yet, like most things, too much stress has a very negative effect on the human body (chronic fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, back pain, stress can affect blood cells which help fight infection, increased blood pressure, makes asthma attacks worse, etc.).
Psalm 46:10 reminds us... "Be still, and know that I am God." Proverbial wisdom instructs us... "A tranquil heart gives life to the the flesh,....".
Whatever is applying stress in your life.... breathe in, breathe out, pray, and repeat.
