Chosen in His Service

Friday, August 07, 2009

The Monster Is Within Us

Ever come face to face with the green-eyed monster called jealousy at some point in your life? Was it a spiritual attack? Did the Enemy make you covetous? Was someone or something working to make you resentful?

The answer is, 'NO'. Jealousy actually springs from within us, even though we might try to pass the buck. For example, we may say, "Well, they shouldn't have that. They don't deserve it. I'm perfectly justified in feeling this way."

Do you see what is actually going on here? We are not only feeling envious of someone, but we're also saying that our jealousy is the other person's fault! That's simply not true. We are hundred percent responsible for our own feelings of envy.

Jealousy is a product of the flesh. In the Bible, it is listed among such sins as idolatry, immorality, drunkenness, and sorcery. These sins are described as "earthly, natural, demonic" (Gal. 5:17-21; James 3:15).

Envious feelings can lead to unhealthy comparison of one's own success to someone else's. That pattern can grow into a unhealthy competition which could result in full-blown fear and resentment. What a horrible way to live!

Though jealousy is a common emotion, it has no place in a believer's life. So we need to look objectively at our heart motives. Are you plagued with an attitude of jealousy from time to time? Lay your honest feelings out before the Lord, and ask Him to cleanse you of this sinful attitude.

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