by Barbara Latta
Humanity has been dealing with jealousy since the beginning
of time. Our fallen nature promotes self
 |
| Jealousy |
The Bible gives us several examples of people in the Bible
who gave in to jealousy and the disastrous result.
- Cain was jealous of Abel – resulting in murder and Cain becoming an outcast (Genesis 4:3-15).
- Jacob and Esau – Jacob was jealous of Esau’s birthright; Esau was jealous after Jacob stole it – resulting in Jacob’s deceit to his father and he had to leave home; Esau lost his rightful place as the firstborn (Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27).
- Joseph’s brothers were jealous – resulting in selling their brother and lying to their father (Genesis 37:18-34).
- Miriam and Aaron were jealous of Moses – resulting in Miriam contracting leprosy (Numbers 12:1-16).
- Eliab was jealous of David – resulting in him not being chosen as the next king because of what was in his heart (I Samuel 16:6-7).
- Saul was jealous of David – resulting in torment from an evil spirit (I Samuel 18:6-11).
- Michel was jealous of David’s relationship with God when he danced before the ark – resulting in barrenness (2 Samuel 6:16-23).
- Absalom was jealous of his father, David – resulting in his death (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 18).
- Jesus’ disciples were jealous of each other – resulting in Jesus’s reprimand (Luke 22:24-30).
As a writer, I have many instances for envy to arise in my
soul. When other writers are published and I am still waiting, these feelings
could derail my progress if I let them. But God showed me what jealousy really
is.
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in
your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not
come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where
you have selfish ambition there you find disorder and every evil practice
(James 3:14-16 NIV).
I highlighted the words earthly, unspiritual and demonic
because reading that can set us in our place. That really spoke to me when I
read those words in the NIV. Jealousy is demonic. I don’t want anything demonic
in my life, but the only way to keep it out is to be submitted to God and feed
on His Word.
No matter what our position in life is, jealousy and envy
can attack. We can compare ourselves to other parents, careers, possessions and
titles, but the bottom line is jealousy comes from the devil.
The remedy for this is to find scriptures that help with overcoming
these feelings. Here are a few I stand on:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit;
rather in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3 NIV).
A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness
to the bones (Proverbs 14:30 NKJV). Wow, I don’t want rotten bones!
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for
I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my
life (Psalm 143:8 NIV).
God will show His plan to each of us when we ask Him to. His
plan for me is not the same as His plan for someone else so I shouldn’t strive
to have another person’s position or accomplishment.
These are just a few scriptures that are medicine to the
soul when the sickness of envy attacks.
Feel free to share some of your favorite verses and join the
conversation.
Great word Ms. Barbara. Comparisons only work when we apply it to ourselves. Am I better or stronger in my faith than last year? Have I improved the skills I need to serve God more fully? I think the key, as you hit upon, is to control our own emotions so that I can be the best me that I can be. God's blessings ma'am.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.D., for sharing your thoughts. Blessings and peace!
DeleteWow, Barbara - the word "demonic" realized in that scripture as pertaining to jealousy certainly does draw us up short and take a hard look at jealous feelings and enviousness! It can rear it's ugly head in various ways at various times! Thanks for the reminder to do everything we can to keep that in check, because as we can see through the various Bible stories you pointed out, as well as the verses, giving in to jealousy doesn't always end well!!! Thank goodness for God's mercy and forgiveness, but I pray that I'll avoid those temptations before they can get the better of me!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Julie. That's why I keep these verse close by to help when our enemy prowls around seeking whom he may devour by invading our thoughts with his lies. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteGreat scripture reference to use, Barbara. It calls it what it is, this 10th commandment of God. Our culture is so competitive, and I believe this is why we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others, which results in envy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful insight, Candi. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, Wow! This really stood out to me, " Jealousy is demonic. I don’t want anything demonic in my life, but the only way to keep it out is to be submitted to God and feed on His Word." Gulp!
ReplyDeleteGreat lessons here. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Becky. When I read that verse it really stood out to me too! Blessings!
DeleteWhat a great reminder! When we look at jealousy with real life examples and see the tragedies that result from that demonic behavior, it's for sure a wake up call! My go-to verse to help me combat jealously is Gal 5:22, the Fruit of the Spirit verse. Jealousy isn't mentioned, but when we live with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control" we aren't going to be jealous of our neighbor. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete