Give Up Jealousy

 

As I continue to move through our Lenten series of characteristics we can give up, the next one we will be focusing on is jealousy.  Jealousy can be an area of our lives that we may not even recognize.  I know I have gone through my days, saying how I admire someone’s clothes, car or home and deep inside may say, ‘How I wish I had those things?’  Initially, I may not think there is anything wrong with that, but as those thoughts of comparison and envy seep into my heart, other areas may take over.  Before I know it, my simple ‘thought’ can turn into a full out desire to get those items.  This can certainly begin to cause chaos.

Jealousy and selfish ambition are in direct conflict to the life that Jesus wants for us.  The life around us, especially today, seems to breed this sense of going to get whatever you want!  Although there is something to be said for having goals, when these goals are fueled by selfish ambition or envy of getting what others have, the goals can lead to a lack of wisdom of what is important.

Often, the goal to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ or ‘getting whatever I want’ can lead to a life filled with distorted views, financial distress, and family discord.  Not only can jealousy fall into materialistic means, but it can also even be more dangerous when it enters the areas of the heart.

·       “Sally has a great marriage. I want a marriage like Sally has.”  The pursuit of finding the ‘perfect marriage’ can leave a person to not focus on their own marriage.

·       “Joe has an exciting time on Friday nights at the clubs, getting drunk and living the wild life.  I want that lifestyle.”  Looking for a fun lifestyle can lead to a number of areas that can destroy a person or a family.   

·       “Mary is so thin.  I want to look like Mary.”  The envy of what Mary looks like can drive a person to pursue areas that can be destructive to their own body.

God taught us early, in the commandments, to not covet.  As we move through James, 3:16, he shares with us the destruction that jealousy and self-ambition can cause.  My friends, let us reflect on our own jealousies.  Compare them to the abundance of blessings God has provided for us.  He gives us all that we need in the time that we have it.  Very rarely do you find someone with the ‘perfect’ life or ‘perfect’ things – unless that person is rooted in the goodness of blessings of our Lord.  Give up jealousy, replace it with joy – joy for what others have and joy for what YOU have.

Dearest Jesus, help us to focus on all the incredible blessings and gifts you have provided for us.  May we turn our thoughts and hearts away from jealousy and focus on the goodness you have given us.  Help us to be genuinely happy for others, knowing the happiness we have in YOU!  Amen!