Jealousy

• God doesn't want you to share our devotion (Deuteronomy 4: 24)-Deuteronomy 4:24 (KJV) For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

In this verse we can see that there is a type of jealousy that is good; a jealousy that God has for His children; He does not want them to follow other God's thus lose their souls in the process.  Therefore He warns His children not to go after other gods or worship.

• Jealousy can destroy someone (Job 5: 2)-Job 5:2 (KJV) For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

In this verse we see how jealousy can destroy someone from the inside out.  Their anger can kill them as a result; many times they can make decisions resulting in deadly consequences.  It's not worth being jealous of anyone for anything.  We should all be content with what God has blessed us with.

• Do not envy those who do wrong (Psalm 37: 1)-Psalms 37:1 (KJV) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Here we can see where God instructs His people not to be jealous or envy those who are evil; those who do not follow God, nor His ways.  Those people who appear to be living it up in the world following their lusts (sex, parties, drunkards, idolators) and riches, and things...The Church should never envy the people in the world; their pleasures are only temporary.  The peace and joy and spiritual riches that we have through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is everlasting.

• Do not be jealous of wicked people (Psalm 73: 2-3)-Psalms 73:2 (KJV) But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  Psalms 73:3 (KJV) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Here we see that the Church can fall into the temptation of going after riches, resulting in backsliding; they can fall into envy of the foolish people of the world that sometimes do illegal things for financial gain; and they prosper that way.  God warns His children not to be jealous of the wicked; for they will have to answer to Him one day for their way of life.  We know that the Lord provides for His children so that they shall not want, or be in need.  The need to go after riches is dangerous to all.  It can lead to much evil.

• Jealousy steals away peace (Proverbs 14: 30)-Proverbs 14:30 (KJV) A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Jealousy robs us of our peace.  We should live with a sound heart.  We should choose to be happy and have love for one another.  When we envy others our souls begin to rot away down to our bones.  It is saying that jealousy is poisonous to the life of a Christian.  It destroys any life.

• Jealousy is a powerful enemy (Proverbs 27: 4)-Proverbs 27:4 (KJV) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

There have been cases of people who are so jealous of others that they go as far as killing the person to steal their belongings or spouses.  King David had his brother killed so that he could take his wife; because she loved her husband and wanted to be faithful.  This brought him to a place that no father would ever want to be in.  The death of his child that he conceived with his brother's wife after the death of his brother.  It's just not worth it.

• Jealousy is foolish (Ecclesiastes 4: 4)-Ecclesiastes 4:4 (KJV) Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

We should not envy others for the work that they do; because the work that they do is not what's most important in life.  Yes, these are wonderful things; many times very positive and great things come from those who work hard.  But it is also vexation of spirit.  Many times it causes an angry spirit over the person.  Especially when their personal goals aren't achieved.  It's necessary to survive, but it isn't everything.  Having God is more important than anything else this life has to offer.  At the end of it all; it only matters if we are saved, and have lived our lives honoring God.  Honoring God should be above all else.  Living in a way that pleases Him is the primary goal of any Christian. 

• Jealousy can cause rash behavior (Acts 7: 9)-Acts 7:9 (KJV) And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Jealousy brought the siblings of Joseph the dreamer to sell him to the government of Egypt.  This brother was chosen and blessed by God; with the gift of vision and prophecy.  His siblings should have appreciated his place in life; God chooses people to help lead the family on the right path.  They chose to sell him to Egypt and lied to their parents that he was dead.  They let their parents believe that their son was dead rather than submit to God's plan.  Thankfully he was saved; and even in Egypt God was with him; and blessed Joseph and everyone that worked with him.  They couldn't hinder God's blessing for Joseph.

• We should not be jealous of other Christians (Galatians 5: 26)-Galatians 5:26 (KJV) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

This verse is very clear.  We should not be jealous of ANY other Christian for ANY reason!!!  If your Christian brother or sister has a nice career, etc., popularity, etc. we clearly should not feel jealousy towards them; if anything we should be happy for one another; we should not envy material things; these things do not last; they are temporary.  We shouldn't even envy another Christian's calling in Ministry; or their gifts or talent from God; God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents; we do not all have to do the exact same things!!!  I may be good at one thing; and you may be good at another; we need to be happy with what God has given to each of us and do it well!!...

• Jealousy has no place in a Christian' life (Titus 3: 3-5)-Titus 3:3 (KJV) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  Titus 3:4 (KJV) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
  

BEFORE we came to Christ, we were sometimes foolish.  We disobeyed our parents.  We used to lie to cover up some of our deeds.  We were lustful.  Seeking pleasures of all sorts.  Sometimes malicious; wanting what others have; would cause the hatred of others; and hated others too.  But once we came to Christ; we were changed not by our own works, or deeds; but by God's grace.  His Spirit and Word cleanses our hearts, minds, and souls.  We have been renewed.  By the power of the Holy Spirit.  We should not be jealous in any way other than to help our backslid brothers or sisters come back to the path of righteousness.  May the Lord bless you today and always and remember  God loves us and we love you!!  Amen.