Not What You Think
James 3:14-16
14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
There’s A Difference
Not what you think. I found myself wondering this morning what is jealousy? Sometimes we think we know what a word means until the Lord begins to stir us up a little. I always thought jealousy and envy meant the same thing. While they are very similar there is a significant difference. The repercussions of both are essentially the same, but they are quite different.
Envy vs. Jealousy
Envy, as we know, is wanting what someone else has. Jealousy on the other hand is the resentment, bitterness or hostility toward someone because they have something you don’t. Be very mindful of the wording here. That is where the difference lies. With envy you want what they have. Jealousy though, you may not even want what they have, you just don’t want them to have it. See the difference? Jealousy can also mean fiercely protective or vigilant of one’s rights or possessions. Usually we would take that as to mean a relationship, but what about a position or given authority?
Strife
The King James version of this scripture says “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Strife is an angry undercurrent. If you find yourself jealous of someone now would be the time to start working on that. You don’t have to want what they have to be jealous. You just might not want them to have it or think they don’t deserve it. None of us sit so high as to think we can determine who is worthy of what. Those feelings bring evil, and will create strife in your home, your workplace, within your church family and will put a big wedge in your relationship with God.
Get To Work
Seek God to work through any of these feelings. Being jealous doesn’t make you a bad person, but once God brings something to your attention it means it’s time to start working with Him to get that mess out of you.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Galatians 5:19-21, James ch. 3
***Lord thank you for loving me enough to correct me, not to bring me down but to lift me up. I ask that you cleanse my heart God, and help me to be who you want me to be. Show me the places where I need to do better. I know you won’t leave me to do it on my own. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. ***
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