I love to dive deep in the word of God. I love to do word searches, concordance dives, you name it. I love to dig in God’s word. However, where I have been convicted this last year, I need to apply the truths to my life today.
This came into focus as I spent the morning on the word jealousy in the New and Old Testament. Found some really interesting tidbits and truths that I did not know. Fast forward, I jump on Facebook and began the comparisons game. I was sad. I felt left out.
As I was rolling this around my brain, I suddenly remembered all my study THE SAME DAY. First of all, nothing truly remarkable comes of my time on social media. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. What is chronicled on social media does not reveal the truth. I see the best picture, the perfect moment. I don’t see that behind the picture are human beings who celebrate, who hurt.
BUT did that occur to me when I was rehashing over and over my thoughts, my rights and my feelings? Um, sadly no.
Yet here is where I fail, countless times. I have done the hard work of questioning the text, staying within the context, but then I raise my head and think that was amazing and carry on with the rest of my day.
I don’t want to do that today. I want to fight the thoughts that churn within me and look to the sin of comparison, people pleasing and pride. I want to remember that God’s word is meant to change, not only me, but those around me.
As I set my focus on the word jealousy,
I am surprised how many examples of this poison there are in the Old Testament. Begins with the first family. Cain and Abel. Sarah of her slave, Hagar. Joseph’s brothers. King Saul of David. Joab of Abner. Nathan of Adonijah. This is a besetting sin for all of us. And the Bible wants to make clear, this is sin.
If I think on this more, I am also reminded what jealousy says to my Father who is in heaven. I am not content with what He has given me. I am not resting in His promises to work ultimate good in my life and the lives around me. Why do I wish for someone else’s joy when that is not my road? It robs me of the chance to celebrate with whomever shared the picture of the day.
Jealousy roots itself in pride. It says to God, I know what is best for my life. When I say this out loud, it is comical. I do not know what is best for my life. Here’s Paul reminding me this morning.
”Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]“
Philippians 4:11-13 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/php.4.11-13.AMP
I can do all things through Him who strengthens and empowers me. That is the secret. I love this..I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. Here is where I stop today. I don’t want to rob another’s joy, I want to celebrate with those who are celebrating and I want to weep with those who weep. I am called to be a part of community.
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