BIBLICAL BRIEFS 83
Jealousy is a destructive attitude of the heart. The gateway for the spirit of jealousy is often opened up by an attitude of comparison with others, a strong competitive attitude, injustice, or inferiority. Envy is the siamese twin sister of selfishness. In essence, from a psychological point of view, the jealous person is extremely selfish and narcissistic. All jealousy is because the self feels as if he/she is deprived of something. And almost always, it leads to what the Amplified (Jam 3:16) points out so meticulously: “For wherever there is jealousy and rivalry and selfish ambition, there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all kinds of evil and vile practices.” Jealousy particularly results in hopelessness and depression. Never, for example, be envious of the prosperity of nonbelievers (Prov. 23: 17-18). Jealousy causes you to be mean and cruel (Song of Songs 8:6). Also, jealousy produces powerlessness, because it robs you of joy (Neh. 8:10). Jealousy causes bitterness, and its consequences are enormous because it causes you to fall short of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). Many more than only you are contaminated by it. Paul’s practical wisdom in Phil. 4: 11-12 is the key in dealing with the influence of the spirit of jealousy in your life: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Therefore:” But godliness with contentment is great gain. “(1 Tim. 6:6).
Dr Tom Gouws
