Over the past couple of weeks this topic has come up in terms of God being jealous for our hearts, lives, and selves. James 4:5 says, “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?” and God himself says in Exodus 20:5 “for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.” God’s jealousy for us, as awesome as that is, is based on the fact that he deserves everything that fallen man is not giving Him. We on the other hand deserve nothing and have been given everything through Christ.

Our jealousy on the other hand is derived from a pride issue, feeling like we are entitled to or deserving of something that someone else has. It could be a position/title, relationship, possession, or  even attention. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things but they tend to get a certain emphasis amongst our friends, family, and neighbors usually when we are most vulnerable.

What is the cause of the envy that you are harboring against your brother or sister? Are they getting or have something you feel you are entitled to? Is something you have worked so hard for seem to have jut fallen in their lap? Or is it a matter of insecurity and selfish desire?

As previously mentioned nothing is inherently wrong with a position/title, relationship, possession, and attention, but our jealousy and desire to have those things make them idols in our hearts. We get to a point where we think we need, desire or deserve these things and they overwhelm our thoughts, actions and conversations. Somehow we feel that they will fill some void in our lives, make us happy, or keep us from feeling left out. These desires are of our flesh which is at war against our spirit (Romans 7:18-23) and is sin. The command against coveting and worshiping other gods comes into play here. (Exodus 20:3-6, 17)

Our envy and selfish ambition will accomplish nothing but distance from God  and eventually chaos (James 3:16). Proverbs 14:30 says “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” The understanding of this scripture in an individual/personal context should make perfect sense. The proverb is referring to rotting at the core. Now, consider Proverbs 14:30 in a communal/church body context. Looking at it this way we can see the potential destruction within the body of believers. While jealousy may seem to be a small sin it perpetuates others with it. Others like gossip, slander, bitterness, etc., that have already, by the way, already manifested within this body.

How do I get past this jealousy? First and foremost recognition and repentance of sin is a great place to start, and with that comes prayer that God will give you the strength to overcome these feelings. Karen Wolff, author and the founder of Christian Books for Women wrote an article about overcoming jealousy, and gives four ways to overcome jealousy that encompass whats been covered.

Stop comparing yourself to other people. You were created as a very unique and special person. God had a plan for you long before you took your first breath. Relish that thought. Love the fact that you’re special. What God has in mind for you isn’t the same as for someone else. So you don’t have to feel bad that you don’t have all the qualities, features, money, or anything else that someone else has. Your journey is just that —yours.

Stop worrying about you all the time. Find a way to be a blessing to someone else. When you change your focus away from yourself, all of a sudden your self-image improves. You get to experience the feeling of satisfaction that only comes when you’re a blessing to someone else. Your priorities start changing, and one day you realize that the things that used to make you so jealous and so nuts, don’t bother you so much anymore.

Stop wanting what other people have if you’re not willing to go through what they did to get it. When you see a person who is physically fit and looks positively great, it’s easy to feel really jealous. But are you willing to work out every day? Are you willing to eat healthy and look for ways to be healthy? If you’re not, then there really is no reason to feel jealous, is there?

Start focusing on all that’s positive in your life. God has given you so many wonderful gifts that many other people don’t have. Focus on using those gifts to help someone else. Since your mind can only consciously think about one thing at a time, doesn’t it make sense to make sure that “one thing” is positive and is moving you toward the really great things in life?

Resolution

Breaking free from jealousy starts with your thoughts. When you change the way you think, you change the way you feel and act. The easiest way to change your focus is to begin by helping others. It will definitely be time well spent. Or better yet, thoughts well spent.

Please do not dismiss the negative impact a jealousy heart/attitude can have on your life and the lives of those around you. There is so much more that can be said about this issue if we were to go into more detail. In most cases if you feel like you deserve it you are not ready for it, and if you are not willing to work for what you are jealous for it won’t come or you won’t appreciate it. “If the grass is greener on the other side… then you need to work on your lawn.”

Piper, John: Walk by the Spirit, http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper83/080783m.htm .

Wolff, Karen: Overcoming Jealousy – Causes and Cures, http://christianity.about.com/od/practicaltools/i/overcomejealous_2.htm .

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