How do you overcome jealousy? It's all over the Bible, but I don't think I've ever heard a sermon on it. It's ranked up there in the major "Do Nots." Galatians 5:19-21 says, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexually immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
That's refreshing, one of the sins I'm struggling with is listed along w/ orgies and witchcraft. Great!!! If you read that verse in context it's talking about living life by the Spirit. As in, if you're living by the Spirit these acts shouldn't be present.
I've read that jealousy is the fruit of a deeper problem. For me, I feel like jealousy is the driving force behind other problems. I think my jealousy is a result of me comparing myself to others. I could write down your name and beside it put several reasons why I'm jealous of you. I wish I were joking. The wise Jen, once said, "Facebook for girls is equivalent to porn for guys." I think its true. I know I easily can get caught up on it by looking at other people's pictures and comparing myself to them. People post pictures of their new homes, children, husbands, vacations, etc. and it does make me happy for them, but I walk away comparing myself. I wonder why I don't look like them or why do I have the things they do.
So what is the Biblical solution? Get rid of my Facebook account? Honestly I just used it as an example. My facebook account really isn't the problem. I just don't know what is.
I started writing this and half way through I decided I wasn't going to post it. I thought I would copy and paste it in an email and send it to one or two friends. However, I cannot figure out how to copy it and I'm way too lazy to retype all of this in an email. So, everyone is getting it.
Anyone is welcome to email me his or her suggestions or verses that have helped them in the past. Also, listening to the Gin Blossom's "Hey Jealousy" song doesn't help. I really don't understand its point.
1 comment:
In case you want my opinion :)
I think that's one of the things we have to deal with with Culture Shock (or culture funk as I call it)! The bad guy doesn't want us to be happy with what we have or where we are - he wants us to always think the grass is greener somewhere else. He does that to a lot of people and families that live overseas perminantly. People always leave because they think they need to have their kids in special play groups with other kids, have chances to take them to Disney, have them in school plays, school band, a home with a yard & a fence, etc...
I think what helps me when I get in those modes is to make a list of all the things that make my life awesome right now! - especially the things that are kinda unique. As you start listing, you start realizing how awesome you have it. Your life is so rich and amazing right now. you are learning and experiencing things that don't even realize! And who knows... you may come home with a fiance' - it happens to a lot of jmen :) haha!
Great post :)
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