Do you have an insatiable desire for success? We've already learned the value of 1 John 1:9. Ony by resolving the envy in our heart can we get peace and comfort. When our lives are over, we're going to leave everything behind. 2 In the Scriptures, envy * is listed among the death-dealing “works of the flesh” that can disqualify a person from inheriting God’s Kingdom. Do you work extremely hard to come out looking good? 'lb make matters worse, the object of that jealousy may be unaware of it and therefore be unable to deal with it. Jacob's favorite wife was buried by the wayside. There is a way of escape. He raged, "But if you find anyone who has your gods, he shall not live" (Gen. 31:32). Scripture simply states the sad truth: "And Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.". A tranquil mind brings life to one's body, but jealousy causes one's bones to rot. But before long, Holly was spending a lot of time talking to Jack—alone. She called the Jensen home in tears one night from a pay phone, hysterically claiming to have been kicked out of the house by her parents. With His help, we will do so. By doing the opposite of our sinful nature, we change our habit patterns and demonstrate to God that we are working with Him in renewing our minds. English Revised Version For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. Illustration: Saul and David; Read 1 Samuel 18:2-5. Perhaps as you've read this chapter, you've seen indications that jealousy or envy is an unwelcome aspect of your character. We are responsible to pursue these goals, but they are not rights. The tragedy didn't end with the breakup of Jack and Holly's marriage. Jesus said, “What defiles a person is not what goes into the mouth; it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles a person.” The author of the book of Proverbs said: “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).The heart is the starting point of the activities in life. In the Old Testament, we have classic examples of jealousy and envy in the lives of two women who were victims of their culture. The wardrobe, the beautiful home, the bank account, the advanced degree, the recognition—all those things that we give our lives to are going to remain on Planet Earth long after we've departed. Envy on the other hand occurs when we are resentful of an advantage someone else has. The Lord would rather bless His people with abundance of blessings. She did so in exchange for some mandrake roots that Rachel supposed would make her fertile. Why do Christians observe Communion? He was tempted in every way just like we are, yet without sin. Even Jesus was killed by the religious leaders of the day out of envy. A tool created by the devil. Proverbs 14:30. "Jacob became angry with her and said, 'Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?" We can overcome like He overcame. Its root is zelos, the same word from which we also get zeal, or zealous. The members of the Body cannot work against each other, otherwise the Body wouldn’t function. Possessing Sheep possessions. So I have a choice: I can resent Sarah's success when I compare it with my failure, or I can acknowledge her skill and be thankful that she will arrange flowers for me! If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. The Lord wants you free from all curses. It causes people to act and speak in toxic ways. Individuals blame their difficulties on their parents, their poverty, their lack of education, a past traumatic experience, or any number of other culprits. In a bad sense, jealousy is a fear of being displaced by a rival in affection or favor. Those who practice envy and strife are barred from the kingdom of heaven ( Gal 5:19-26). Then we are alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 14 Les Carter, Mind Over Emotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 1985), 52ff. She and Jack fight constantly and bitterly over her insatiable desires for more things, better things, things her friends have that she'll never get because Jack is "such a boring old man.". Being Overly Concerned with Personal Rights Would David's high rank in the army be cause for envy? He'd made his choice almost from the moment he saw Rachel, and it's impossible to drum up romantic love on demand. This strong emotion can lead us to justify hatred or even doing mean spirited actions towards others. Genesis 26:14 Gen 26:14. Like any married couple, Jack and Tammy had their small differences from time to time, and Holly instinctively homed in on them. 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