Dear Church,
Jealousy is a silent killer. It is a clear indication that our lives are still being controlled by the flesh (1 Cor 3:3). Most of us will say we are not Jealous, but as part of our carnal nature we have inherited a nature that can get unhappy, angry or even non-responsive at someone else’s progress. As long as you feel more or equally popular, talented, or important you ‘love’ them and ‘promote’ them but the moment you feel they surpass you, from that moment onwards they are a threat to you. Jealousy prompted Cain to kill Abel, it prompted Joseph’s brothers to beat him up and sell him into slavery. Saul’s jealousy opened the door for insanity, unsettled spirit, and even murder in his life. James wrote, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16).
Again, the spirit of Jealousy is a dangerous spirit, it searches for reasons to discredit and disown a brother or sister. This spirit can show up in any person who is not careful to abide in Christ and surrender their body, mind, and spirit to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. If Jealousy is unchecked in a believer’s life it will lead them into the locker of disconnection, disappointment, and dejection in life. It will suck the Joy out of their Christian life.
What is the way out?
- Admit we have a problem with Jealousy, it’s a sin, we need to call a spade a spade. Telling people how much we admire and love them while allowing the seed of jealousy to grow in us is the most blatant form of hypocrisy. Admit the problem and seek forgiveness and healing.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking, take every thought of jealousy captive to the Spirit’s direction. Pray for the person you feel to be jealous about. Invest in that person’s life and success. Cultivate a thankful heart for them!
- Accept the reality of who you are and who you belong to – you are positionally perfect as God’s child; you have access to all spiritual blessings that are promised for those who are in Christ Jesus. You are loved beyond your comprehension by a God who promised never to leave nor forsake you.
John has some strong warnings for us. 1 John 3:15 says, “anyone who hates (Jealousy is a form of hate) a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him”. Let us posture our hearts in love for our fellow believers so that we will be filled with thankfulness and joy for those who are promoted around us. Let’s repent of any traces of Jealousy in our hearts.
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
