Jealousy/Covetousness

Definition
Discontent aroused by another
Resentful, rivalry in love
Greatly desirous of another’s property, including another’s husband or wife!

I think at times we have all been touched by the feelings of envy, jealousy and covetousness. Some sadly, live all their lives controlled and guided by it. Always trying to better their neighbor’s house or car or family, envious of anyone who has something materialistically they don’t have and jealous of those who have something they cannot have.

You may recall one of the 10 Commandments is not to covet what your neighbors have.

Why do we get envious? Why do we get jealous? And why do we want what our neighbor has? Why is it, that in all that we have, we are not satisfied and want more and more?

I guess the answer is that we are never content. We are hard to please. We are never satisfied. We have a driving force within us that pushes us to try and obtain ‘bigger and better’. Why?

Do we feel that we were deprived of something in life and we have to make up for it all the time?

Stop and look around you. What do you have that is good and wholesome for you?
Your health?
A job/career?
A reliable car?
Children?
A wife/husband?
A good walk with God?
The ability to read and write?
A roof over your head at night?

So what if it takes you longer to purchase a home, it will come in time.
So what if your neighbor has 6 bedrooms in their home and you only have four!
So what if someone was promoted ahead of you in your career or work field! They now have more responsibility!
So what if your car spends more time at the mechanics than it does with you behind the wheel! Its replacement will come in time.

Start being thankful for what you do have and for what you feel you don’t have!
Remember these words NEED V WANT it’s a good buying guide!!

Let all those feelings of envy, jealousy and covetousness fall off your shoulders, they are weight you do not need to carry in and through life. Don’t let them push you around any longer, allow God to lead you to those things you need, and He will guarantee the best purchase of anything, He will lead you to the best wife/husband ever, if you ask Him to show you the way and BE CONTENT with what He provides for you.

Philippians 4:11
NKJ

NOT THAT I SPEAK IN REGARD TO NEED, FOR I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER STATE I AM, TO BE CONTENT.

Proverbs 14.30
NKJ

A RELAXED ATTITUDE LENGTHENS A MANS LIFE; ENVY/JEALOUSY ROTS IT AWAY


Prayer:
Father I am sorry for being greedy and selfish. Please forgive me. Help me to thank you for all that you have given me. Please forgive me for criticizing what you have provided me with. Help me to resist envy, jealousy and covetousness. I bless all those who I have envied, who I have been jealous of and who I have coveted their lifestyle. As I wait on you, please bless me with what you know I can handle. Thank you Father. Amen.