Jealous?

I have four kids - my dictionaries are all kids dictionaries but, if you ever want a simplistic definition it is a great place to look...
     jealous: adjective
          1.  If you are jealous of someone, you want what he/she has.
          2.  Afraid that a person you love cares more for someone else than for you.

Some people call jealousy the green-eyed monster.  I have to agree.  I have felt jealousy get a grip on me and I have turned into the "green-eyed monster"! Saying articulate but cutting remarks.  Sending stabbing texts to an unsuspecting recipient.

Why do certain things strike and raise jealousy?  Galatians 5:19 tells us why.  "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity; debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage..."  Need I go on?  Paul did, "I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."   OUCH!  I don't like jealousy being in with all those other things!  I've conquered that all that other stuff through God's deliverance...but jealousy?  Not so much.  I still fight it.  I want her life, she doesn't have to work while going to school.  I want her financial security.  I want her husband, he is so helpful in carrying the load at home.  I want, I want, I want!  What does that say to God?  He is a liar!  WHAAAAT?!  Yep, I'm gonna be that bold.  If I want and think I need what others have I am saying God is not doing what He promised.  He promised to supply my needs.  Philippians 4:19.  Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing." Trust. Trust Him that I have what I NEED.  Sounds simple right?  I don't know about you, but for me it certainly hasn't been easy.  Daily, sometimes moment by moment, I need to remind myself of this truth.

Okay, I'm gonna transition.  Our jealousy is flesh screaming out.  But do you know that God is jealous for you?  God is jealous for you?!  Yep, it's truth!

So why is it okay for God to be jealous and not me?  My jealousy is my flesh screaming out, God's jealousy is His heart screaming out.  There is a difference!  He loves me and you and wants to spend time with us, individually.  He gets jealous when we put anything before Him in our hearts and in importance in our lives. James 4:4-6 sums it up great, "You're cheating on God if all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you'll end up enemies of God and His way.  And do you suppose God doesn't care?  The Proverb has it that, 'He's a fiercely jealous lover.'  And what He gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find." (The Message Version)

The next time you experience the "green-eyed monster", stop.  Confess to the Lord your lack of trust, focus on the truth that He promises to give you everything you need, and think of His feelings towards you.  He is jealous for you!  Seek Him first and everything else will be icing on the cake!

On the other side of the flesh... Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Verse 24 says, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."  Okay, let's put it behind us...let go of I want, I want, I want and trust truth.  God WILL supply everything I need.