"Jealousy - The Heart's Dirty Secret"

 

If I mention “The Green Eyed Monster”, how many of you know what I’m talking about? NO, it is not some cute little stuffed animal, parade float or some scary movie title. It is an emotion and we have distorted it by our own twisted thought pattern.

Have you felt the hideous sting when faced with the truth that envy has been aroused within your own heart? It is a painful sting. Even worse, have you felt that twinge toward the blessings God has bestowed on someone else and not you? This is so very hard to admit, huh? Have you been there too? And have you ever been surprised when someone else is resentful of your success, advantages, or even your intimacy with God?

I wonder what are we fearful of losing or missing out on, that such ugliness would be stirred from within. Just plain old sin is what I guess it is. I have admittedly been small minded like that (too many times maybe!) but then broken by God’s goodness in His gentle rebuke of my wrong thinking, only to have Him then meet me where I am and reveal His love for me. Oh, that humbles me. That wows me! Jesus loves us beyond our wildest imagination with such a boundless love.

A few quotes about Jealousy:

Shakespeare: ‘Tis a monster begot upon itself.

Havelock Ellis: The dragon which slays love under the
pretence of keeping it alive.

Socrates: It is the ulcer of the soul.

John Dryden: It is the jaundice of the soul.

What does it mean when God says His name is Jealous (Ex 34:14) or that He is jealous for us (Deut 32:21)? I can not imagine God being associated as a “green-eyed” monster or any colored monster...hardly! God’s description of Himself by His name bears His own nature and that nature is intolerant of any infidelity or division of our hearts. The Lord’s zeal is in wanting us to surrender our entire heart over to His such as a husband would have in regards to the intimacy with his wife. God will earnestly seek out the “things or person” (any kind of idol) that steals/grabs/ takes/ or even lulls us away from giving our total attention and desires towards Him and His Kingdom. God is the One True Living God, He has no rival, no competition, and He will not share His glory with anyone or anything.

I, for one, think it is a beautiful and empowering truth… to know that I am loved like that. And because of that intense love, I should be more aware of the things that have been dividing my heart from His. I must also learn to not only be content with what God has chosen for my life, but to also be joyful for His plan (although at times I confess I don’t understand that plan).

Any envious thoughts should not be coming from a child of the Most High. I must be aware when there are inappropriate feelings of any kind of jealousy, then confess that sin and turn away from my own foolishness. A good old repentance is always good for the soul. And finally, accept God’s forgiveness which is quick and continuous and ever so plentiful. I think all too often people forget this part and so live in condemnation. That is NOT from the Lord.

Such love we each get to bask. The love Jesus gives to each of us is like sunshine streaming in through a window on a cool winter day warming us, even to the marrow of our bones. Why would we want to drift from the lover of our soul and lust after “lesser things” that don’t fill us?

Shall we vow to daily check in with the Lord and make sure we don’t have areas of idol worshipping going on? Let us each be jealous for our God, like He is to us! His Spirit will help us to discern the correct way of thinking and the power to change, He loves us that much! Yes Lord… we choose YOU!

 

 

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.