Jealousy, the leader of the pack, the oldest of the Greens siblings, is a true monster. While Envy and Covetousness play havoc with the people around them, Jealousy sits and watches. The oldest sibling, Jealousy is devoted to doing whatever is necessary to accomplish the goal.
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”- Proverbs 27:4
One definition of the state of being jealous is described as “hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.”
“The Green-Eyed Monster” is very dangerous because it lives in blind rage. Jealousy is a subtle creature. It can sneak up on you without you even realizing it. It’s born in those microseconds when you feel something that you love or want isn’t in your possession. It can grow into a cancer if it isn’t addressed promptly.
“For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.”- Proverbs 6:34
To be jealous, is to forget what is important, which is faith, trust and obedience to the Lord. The Lord watches over us and all things that relate to our lives.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” but we disregard this when we take revenge on a cheating spouse, a successful co-worker or a well-to-do family member. When given an inch, jealousy takes us the whole mile because it wants to accomplish the goal.
What goal you ask?
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.” -James 4:2
There is no true goal because when you’re jealous, you can’t see beyond it. You are acting in the moment without thinking — you’re just feeling, forsaking wisdom and council. It’s the same with being covetous and having envy, jealousy blinds you to what you do have.
God has given us all the answers in His words how to address the ups-and-downs of life. Why don’t we seek His answers before we leap into our own emotions?
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”- James 3:14-15
Let it go — whatever it is you think you deserve, whoever has hurt you by turning to someone else, all the things you feel you have been cheated out of, let it go and give to the Lord. The Lord is always there, ready to receive the words of our heart for He understands us far beyond what we know. He will instruct, edify and fill us with new life, contentment and love.
Oh, but to those who may question God being jealous… well…
“For the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.”- Deuteronomy 6:15
God being jealous is nothing like our jealousy. I had it broken down to me like this: It’s like a parent watching their child go to another parent for instruction, love and guidance. Wouldn’t that raise some ire in you? If your child, who you love and would do anything for, was seeking love from another adult?
You are not abusive, mean or distant, but the model parent, yet they turn away from you. God is love, all we need is in Him. No, the greatest Love of all does not like us turning away from Him. It’s sure death to forsake God and He loves us too much to let us go.
So, the Greens, they come around quite often, so don’t be too angry when you see them. They’re funny and engaging but steer clear — they’re a nasty bunch!
