Friday, October 7, 2011

Food for Thought Friday: The Green Eyed Monster

Jealousy.

The Bible tells us to be content with what we have/who we are (Hebrews 13:5), and not to compare ourselves to others (Galatians 6:4).   Unfortunately, though, the green eyed monster often takes over and can result in some really ugly actions & behaviors.  We see jealousy starting at such a young age....even toddlers are jealous of others' toys.  This doesn't change much as we get older. We are jealous of everything others have.....their jobs, bodies, clothes, hair, cars, finances, houses, salaries, friends, kids, success, gifts, talents, creativity, husbands, fitness, their spiritual walk, abilities; you name it, we are jealous of it. 

Jealousy can rip relationships apart. It can ruin families, friendships, and marriages.  We've all seen it happen.

I have found that when people gossip or talk about others behind their back, it can often be rooted back to some sort of jealousy. And jealousy, in my opinion, is a form of insecurity rearing its ugly head.  We are not content in our own lives, so we need to cut others down to make ourselves feel better.  It's pathetic if you think about it for what it really is.

How many of us have TRUE friends who are actually happy for us when we get a promotion, lose weight, get something new, go on a fabulous trip, accomplish a goal, or stumble upon some good luck??
 (Thankfully I do have some....but I know they're rare jewels!)

I also think the other side of this whole jealousy issue is that it often serves as wrongful motivation for many people. We want others to be jealous of us, and we buy things, go places, and do things with the intentions of making others jealous. We allow what others think of us to consume us, instead of focusing on the opinions of those who really matter....(the Lord, our husband, & our families), and thus strive to impress strangers rather than our own loved ones, all so that we can feel superior.  Also very sad.

Jealousy shows up in our marriages as well. Women should not behave in a way that causes our husbands to be jealous. Flirting is NOT okay. Dressing promiscuously for attention is NOT okay.  There are several scriptures that back this up.  Our husbands should have the same love and respect for us, and if they do, we should TRUST them.  Do not be  jealous wife that checks your husband's e-mail, texts, or watches carefully to see if he's checking out other women.  Honestly, that type of insecurity is unattractive, annoying, and a turn off to our husbands (unless they are insecure as well). 

Our marriages should be built on LOVE and TRUST, not jealousy.

Now, I do know this does not apply to everyone...I'm sure some of us are more mature than to succomb to the human nature of jealousy (ha....ha- keep telling yourself that). But honestly, how many times do thoughts of jealousy and envy cross through your head weekly (or daily, or hourly...)?? 

I honestly don't consider myself a "jealous person," but sometimes the thoughts to run though my mind.  In fact, just yesterday I was jealous of Jonathan for being able to work out when I haven't in 2 days (yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds on multiple levels).  I am jealous of my friend Crissy's awesome legs.  I am jealous of Jennifer Aniston's hair. I am jealous of people who can sing.  Ad I'm sure that list could go on and on....The point is, nothing good ever comes out of jealousy.

My prayer is that I will fulfill the Scriptures in Galatians and Hebrews and be truly content, without comparing myself to others.  I do not want to be jealous.

Especially as ladies, we should support one another, rejoice with others, and be excited to see others thrive. 

Can you imagine what a brighter world we would live in without the ugly green-eyed monster??? 


"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." ~ James 3:16

"You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." ~ James 4:2-3

“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” ~ Exodus 20:17

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.~ Proverbs 14:30

5 comments:

Chels said...

Wow! That's a good word my friend! Sad but so true. We all need a little reminder to be content with what God has given us!

Anonymous said...

Great Post! Definately true and unfortuantely the "green-eyed monster" has reared it's head in my life but I am trying to stand firm in my life and in God's word to not let that little booger pop in anymore! Great verses to remember too!
Thanks for sharing!

Always Learning said...

Great post! Trusting your husband is vital to a good marriage just as trusting God is vital to a joyful, content life.

Mama’s Minute said...

Great post! A gentle reminder is always nice, because it's definitely something every human struggles with. We studied this in group and the girls talked about everything that makes us as ladies jealous. One way that helps me remember that jealousy is TERRIBLE is something our pastor said, "If you are jealous, then you are not satisfied with God". HOW TRUE IS THAT! Love you!

Kelly Ford said...

Love this post. Especially the part about how we often times use our own insecurities to try and make other people jealous. I know several people like that and (gasp) may have bragged on something i had no right to brag on in my past, also.

Its a great thing to be able to self-examine, become self-aware and renew confidence in our selves in ways that are meaningful (our relationship with the Lord). :-)