The Landmine of Jealousy
JAMES 3:13-18

God speaks strongly against jealousy because of its destructive power in our life. An uncontrollable lust for what someone else possesses does not fit who we are as Christians. We are the children of God, and He has promised to meet our needs.

Jealousy springs from within us. It is a disagreement with God over something we do not have that He has chosen to give to someone else. Or, in some cases, jealousy results from fear of being replaced in a relationship or job. To overcome this destructive attitude, we must first acknowledge our conflict with God. We are to confess and repent of our wrong mindset, and then turn away from it.

The next step is the most difficult: thank the Lord for the person of whom you are jealous. Also express gratitude for what God is doing in that individual's life. When we are able to thank God for His blessings on someone else, the weight of our jealousy begins to lift. In addition, be willing to do something good for the other person, regardless of how you feel. We can never overcome jealousy if we think only of our feelings.

One of the most helpful things we can do is refocus our attention onto what God is doing in our own life. This brings us back to the path He has chosen for us. It may be that we are missing His blessings because our mind is concentrating elsewhere. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." God wants to give you His best.