Jealousy, A Real Threat To Our Purpose

I have struggled with jealousy and it has been nothing but a life-sucker for myself and others for almost 20 years.  So, I have learned a few things during this refining process of restoration the Lord has had me in...and I want to share my heart with you.  

Jealousy is a powerful tool the enemy uses to steal, kill, and destroy everything good in your life.  Your purpose is suffocated when you allow jealousy to take deep rooted space in your heart.  

Here are 7 ways jealousy can destroy and what we can do to keep ourselves above the turbulence that gets us all disoriented and out of sorts. 

1.  As a young child, jealousy can tatter your heart as you begin comparing yourselves to other girls your age.  Even in elementary school you begin to believe lies from the enemy.  It is our place and purpose to look at ourselves in the mirror with contentment and self-respect.  Our children will reflect the same attitude toward themselves that we do...even little boys.

2.  Jealousy destroys friendships to the core...and very little can take back those actions jealousy spurs us into.  By focusing on our self-worth and the specific gifts we alone have acquired, taking our eyes off of ourselves altogether, and lifting others up especially when jealousy strikes...we will be swept away and led to a deeper friendship and trust. 

3.  Jealousy can rip a marriage apart by highlighting and bringing attention to things that are of little importance to our spouse and usually the issue is non-existent and solely built up in our mind. 

By praying and asking the Lord to guard your mind from the lies of the enemy, you can overcome the heaviness and worry that jealousy can birth in your heart and replace it with his peace and a sound mind.

4.  The only good type of jealousy is that of Christ for your love and affection.  God, the Father, is a jealous God.  By keeping our eyes fixed on Him and reminding ourselves that He is jealous for our time and our love, keeps our hearts in the right place as we strive for His love and affection in return. 

Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. (Exodus 34:14 NIV)

5.  Jealousy sets a bad example for your children.  When we are jealous, it usually comes out in our speech.  Usually others know when we are jealous of someone, because we tell them.  Our kids pick up on this thought pattern and begin to develop the same unhealthy attitude toward others and themselves. 

6.  Jealousy leads to idolatry.  When we are jealous of someone, whether it is their appearance or something they own, our hearts begin to sin and that sin swells and suffocates the Love of God in our hearts making it almost impossible for Love to dwell there.  By replacing jealousy (coveting) with God's Love, we can find JOY. 

7.  Jealousy is a lie.  The thoughts that come trickling in with jealousy are lies.  We begin to believe we would be happier IF... But in reality, we simply need to nurture what we have been given. The grass is not greener on the other side, it is just well-cared for. 

Have you struggled with jealousy in the past or even now? 

My heart goes out to those of you, because the struggle is real. 

Bless our mess, Lord...because that seems to be all we have to offer You.  We can't build anything beautiful that will stand, while being vessels of destruction.

Surround us with strong women who are purposeful in their friendship by building us up, and help us to show others their worth in You.

-J