Many times we fall into comparison with others because of a lack of identity. This insecurity can result in a crippling amount of instability. Sometimes we shrink back and follow what looks like the most powerful path, but other times we mount up with competition and striving, seeking furiously to prove we are significant. This can lead us into the pitfall of jealousy, which the bible says is 'as cruel as the grave' (Song of Solomon 8:6).
Another common word that can be used for jealousy is envy. The two go hand in hand. Let's take a look into a few more views the bible has on jealousy.
Solomon referred to one who toils and tries to achieve something because of envy as meaningless and chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Proverbs 27:4 'states that anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy.' On further in the New Testament, James says this, 'You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your desires' (James 4:2-3). In Galatians, jealousy is clearly revealed as a deed of the flesh, resulting in destruction.
A few years ago I was in prayer, seeking the Father about this ugly fruit of jealousy, seeing it in the surroundings I grew up around in my geographical region and the whole "church scene". Suddenly, the Lord spoke this to my spirit, "All jealousy means is this. 'There's not enough room for me.'" It was like the light bulb went off where I could see an enormous amount of land, kind of the land in pioneer days that had not been occupied by homesteading yet. I then saw masses amount of people gathered up, completely bottle-necked around the same location, trying to re-homestead that ground over and over. They hadn't even considered looking around for more, they were just locked in on the same thing. The result was at least a 90% waste. Although it was beneficial for that land to be occupied and stewarded by someone, it eventually became a burden for the small place because of all the people that needed sustenance at the same place and time. If they had only paid attention to fresh, uninhabited land that was all around them, the whole territory would have flourished.
Many times we fall into the trap of thinking we are lacking or behind if we aren't adapting every trend the world OR the church world is doing. Trends in themselves are not bad. Sometimes they work good for a purpose in order to shape our culture for healthy advancement. But we can miss the opportunity to be a trend setter if we are always following what everyone else does.
There's no need to strive in jealousy and competition in order to keep up with what everyone else is doing. God has a vast range of assignments that need to be done in His kingdom in the earth realm. If we are all focused on the same 'piece of land', we won't be able to take the whole world, which has been His plan since the beginning.
It takes courage to seek the Lord to find His purpose for you and to stick to it even though it may look different than what has been done before.
When you spend time with Him, you are sowing into your heart; the seedbed of your life. As you begin to find His purpose inside of you, the view around you will begin to look bigger and the opportunities to work with Him will open up. You will finally discover that the Father opens doors that no man can shut. The way to start to think about yourself will change, and jealousy will be squeezed out like a smashed bug.
Give Him a little focused time each day in His Word and His presence, and I promise you. You will see Him, hear Him and know Him! He wants to show you. Ask Him to take you on a divine treasure hunt to discover the hidden jewels waiting to be revealed. It's YOU!
Desiring to encourage you,
Pastor Julie Petersen
