When we think of the green eyed monster we think of
something that use to hide under our bed when we were kids waiting to devour
us. In all reality in a Christians life it is almost the same thing. Once this
emotion of jealousy gets a hold of us it is dangerous. Because that is exactly
what it does it devours your growth in Christ, damages relationships, and
hardens the heart. Each one of us are our own individuals, God created each one
of us in a unique way to serve Him according to how he sees fit. We as His
servants have to learn our gifts that he has given freely. Most people will go
through life and never comprehend that it is God that gives us our talents. The
importance of them to the world may seem irrelevant and I strongly disagree
because these gifts can change lives. God has chosen something special for each
one of us. Why is it so important? This is the only way we will ever walk in
God’s will. We will never walk perfectly but we will learn how to use them to a
purpose for His Kingdom. We have so much to learn in our spiritual journey and
the main ones are understanding who we are, what we are, and allowing God to
change us for His work not ours. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the
flesh of our desires we do not see what we are doing to others around us.
Jealousy is the most dangerous emotion it is the green eyed monster.
When I was a little girl I was shy for those that know me
now this is a little hard to believe I know but I was. I was not only shy but I
was quite! As I grew into my teenage years I started becoming more vocal, and
outgoing. Making friends for me was never a challenge but I was however very
careful who I allowed into my inner circle. As I grew so did my personality and
most people to this very day state this personality makes me who I am. It is my
personality that is targeted by that green eyed monster. There are some that
find this as a threat to them why I do not know and it has been those people
that have tried to place obstacles in my path. When I was younger I never
understood this. Now that I am older I know it is not me directly it is the
gift God has given me and this truly saddens me because he has given each and
every one of us something. It was given freely. Blood was shed and those gifts
through the Holy Spirit was bought for you and me at a price. To you and me
yes, it was free but it was not free to our savior. He sacrificed so we could
have. How he must feel when Christians allow jealousy to cloud their judgment,
be un appreciative, finding fault in themselves and others all over the gifts
he has given. This my friends is what makes that monster destroy relationships.
When you see others do not see the flesh I use to see only the flesh. Since I
have been born again I now search for their gifts. When I see them in someone I
desire to help them grow in those gifts.
One problem I have encountered is that people think
because of my care free personality I have it easy and this is as far from the
truth as you can get. I have my fair
share of battle scars and heartbreaks my wounds run just as deep as the next
person. I know now why God allowed me to go through it alone. No guidance, no
help, no mentor, no one to call to put me on the path I needed to be on to gain
strength.
You see fellow Christians, God wanted me to know what it
was like to be alone. I did not like it at all it was lonely and painful. My
prayer is for every Christian to never feel alone. As long as there is breath
in my body I have vowed to him I will never let anyone go at it alone! I do not
get jealous when I see others not having to go at it alone. I share my story,
not for pity, but for them to be receptive of others that need them. Because
sadly even Christians become jealous of another who manifests God’s blessing
and direction. When they start growing in faith, and maturing spiritually. They
become angry at the person. That anger brews because they feel like they have
been left behind, then they envy the person and want what they have. Do you see
how Satan is using this emotion against the purpose God has for your life?
Instead of being jealous be thankful seek in that person what they can offer
you. God speaks through each and every one of us. Do not yearn to be like them
though he did not create clones, most importantly God has his own path for you.
Just keep in mind jealousy is one of “the works of the
flesh” and Satan clings to it, and it could cause a Christian to lose his or
her Kingdom inheritance. (Galatians 5:20, 21) Because of this all too real and
serious danger, every disciple of Christ must work very hard to shake it, get
rid of it. Where jealousy exists, love is absent, for “love is never jealous.”
(1 Corinthians 13:5)
A degree of jealousy exists in all of us, for we all like
to be praised and told we are doing well at something. But, if ego and pride
become unnatural, then jealousy can begin to take deep root. Like a climbing
vine, it can be almost unnoticeable at first, but in the end it will swallow the
framework around which it grows.
So, today seek your gifts, pray for them, protect them.
When the Green eyed monster rears his ugly head rebuke him in the name of your
Lord Jesus Christ!
Shalom and God Bless,
© Shannon Wendler