The Green Eyed Monster Within

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Jealousy is a sin and is not a becoming characteristic, instead it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires..I Corinthians 3:3 "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" Galatians 5:26 says, "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

The Bible tells us that we are to have for one another, I Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on the LORD. This ultimately harden our hearts to the Truth, the truth that we need JESUS to heal our own insecurities, our past failures - to heal us from within. Matthew 13:15 "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, we learn to freely demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." A tree is known by the fruit it bears, just as we are known by the fruit we bear. Some just simply choose to produce rotten, spoiled fruit that no one wants. We really need to re-evaluate ourselves and take a good look at the fruit we are giving forth.

All to often the label of calling ourselves a "Christian" is taken lightly. Yes, we are all human and far from perfect, but how can one claim to walk in the light when they are filled with darkness? I John 1:6 "If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth."

James 3:14-15 "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish."

Jealousy indicates that we are not satisfied with what GOD has given us. Philippians 4:11b "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." What a great example Paul is for us to learn to be content in all things and situations. If we really take a step back and look at all of the wonderful blessings the LORD has given us, it should be very easy for us to be content. In order for one to do this they first need to take the selfish blinders off their eyes so they can see the truth before them.

The only sure fire way to combat jealousy, is to become more like JESUS and less like ourselves. Thankfully one can do this, but it's only by having a personal relationship with our LORD and Savior. Begin seeking the LORD and then you will find you true happiness; Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." When the Bible speaks of "things" it doesn't mean just the material or financial things. You will be given more, much more...happiness, joy, peace and love just to name a few.

It's time for us to receive a real transformation, one where we allow the LORD to transform not only our minds but our heart. Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."