Yesterday I talked about my anger and resentment. Today, I want to deal with another issue that many of us struggle with, Jealousy. I don’t think of myself as a jealous person. I’m guessing you probably don’t think of yourself that way either. Jealousy sounds so bad, if you and I are honest with ourselves, we can probably pick any day at random and find that we experience jealousy at least a couple of times throughout that day. So, maybe we are jealous people. On the other hand, maybe we’re just human.
Jealousy occurs whenever we measure ourselves against someone else’s looks, qualities, abilities, or achievements. It is inherently based on our own perception of ourselves, our wants and our desires as opposed to God’s provision. Stated another way, it is our focus on what we do not have instead of on His rich blessings.
Today, the Scripture tells us in James 4:2 that jealousy results in two bad outcomes:
1. Killing 2. Quarrelling and fighting.
It also tells us that we often do not have because we do not ask God. This doesn’t mean that God is like a genie who grants our every wish. Rather, God is a loving God who blesses us greatly according to His plan and purpose for each of our lives. If you need something for you to fulfil His purpose, He will supply it. He says don’t be Jealous in regard to what you don’t have or may feel you will like to have – but rather remember that “He will supply all your needs…” If you are a Christian, there is no place for jealousy. God will always give you exactly what you need.
You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I have been struggling to come to terms with the good things that are happening in other people’s lives, especially the ungodly. Father, I have found myself coveting what they have and feeling jealous countless times. God remove this ungodly feeling from my heart and replace it with godly jealousy. Help me to be jealous for your name, to be glorified in every situation, especially in places where people are not glorifying you. In Christ’s name, pray, Amen.
Let’s Reflect
1. How are you currently experiencing jealousy in your life? Try to identify even the subtle ways that jealousy affects your relationships, your work, and your spiritual life.
2. How do you experience God’s provision in your life? Do you rely on His provision? How might your reliance (or lack thereof) on His provision impact how you experience jealousy?
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