Thoughts on Jealousy

Jealousy is an insecurity motivated issue that must be fought against.

What is jealousy? 

Jealousy is connected to covetousness or wanting what someone else has either in the physical or in stature. You can want someone’s influence, spiritual giftings, or material items in a covetous way. When trying to understand jealousy go through the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. It displays the harsh realities of jealousy.

• Jealousy grows from dissatisfaction with Jesus and what he has for me. There is a lack of satisfaction. Press in to Christ and his word.  

• Jealousy dehumanizes others. People become hurdles, obstacles, objects etc.

• Jealousy reflects deep insecurity. 

• Jealousy reveals a desire to control and maintain some level of power, thus reflecting a lack of submission to God.   

• Jealousy robs joy. You CANNOT be a jealous person who is also a happy person. 

• Jealousy brings others along with you. You will drag others into the fray.  This will take on the form of taking sides, or choosing teams. 

• The jealousy God has is perfect, righteous and good and is different than human fleshly jealousy. That kind drives man toward God, demanding worship that brings us into the presence of God and makes us more like him, thus giving us purpose, value and drive. 

• There is a good jealousy, but it looks like Jesus and works to make me and others MORE like Him, not less like him. (for my children against the world and its offerings and delusions, for example, or a husband or wife having expectations of exclusivity in the relationship.)

• Jealousy is best combated with THANKSGIVING. This will produce real joy, thus killing jealousy.