Because it's something to hinder us, that's why. When we feel jealous about someone, do you notice how in some cases, it can diminish our affection for them, and sometimes, eliminate it altogether? And that is satan's plan when he plants jealous thoughts in our minds.
"Look at her style. It's so much cooler than yours."
"She's got everything. Looks, personality, a boyfriend."
"Check that out! That kids got the new iPhone and you don't even."
"Everybody likes her... Cause she's so likable. And your so dull compared to her."
"Wow... She's got the perfect body and your just fat."
"Look... A perfect, happy family. All together."
"Wow... She's always going on vacations cause she's so rich and all. And your just stuck in your hometown doing nothing."
"Your life sucks, because you have nothing, and see that person over there? Yeah, they have everything. Unlike you."
"He's done something with his life... Don't you wish you were that brave? But your not."
You've all heard those words before. Whether they were spoken aloud, or just pushed into your mind, you've heard them, and many times, you've believed them. But you shouldn't. Because God has made you the way you are supposed to be.
1. The first jealousy issue I'm going to address is looks. Why are looks so important? THEY DON'T MATTER!
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)
Yes, I just wrote that out three times. But that's okay, because everyone needs to know that and everyone needs to know that it's 300% TRUE! Why should we envy other people's looks? Does it really matter what we look like? No, it doesn't. We're not on earth to worry about whether or not we have perfect hair, or the perfect body. We're here to further God's kingdom.
God designed each of us in His own image.
He designed us uniquely.
He designed us perfectly.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
We are all designed by a wonderful Creator, Who knew what He was thinking when He made us. He loves us the way we are.
He thinks we are perfect, no matter what.
He thinks we are beautiful, inside and out.
There can never be a more beautiful you. (More Beautiful You, by Johnny Diaz)
Never think that God made a mistake when He created you. God doesn't make mistakes.
All of that is true! SO TRUE!!! NEVER doubt that!!! The world will tell you things. But you know what? Just blow it over. It DOES NOT MATTER! We are not to care about what the world thinks and what they say about us. Being insecure about our looks and envying someone's looks, that weakens us. That makes us an easy target for the enemy to strike us down! BELIEVE what is written above, because it's all true! God is our creator. Everything He creates is beautiful, BECAUSE He created it.
You. Are. Beautiful.
Inside. And. Out.
2. Next is personality.
So what if she's outgoing and your not?
So what if he's all that and a bag of chips just because of how crazy he is?
So what if everything she says is the funniest thing since Star Trek waffles?
Who cares! God made you the way you are!
So what if your not the outgoing one or the crazy one or the funny one? Maybe your meant to be the shy one. The quiet one. The serious one. God made you this way.
Why does it bother you? Why?
I'm not going to answer these questions.
This is something you need to think about and come to terms to yourself.
3. And last is this:
Remember the story of Cain and Abel? Cain and Abel both give sacrifices, but Abel's is more pleasing. And then, Cain's jealousy turns to anger and hatred and he murders his own flesh and blood.
See what jealousy does?
Remember the story of King Saul? He was jealous of David because of the attention that David got when he killed Goliath. He attempted to kill David several times.
See what jealousy does?
Remember the story of Joseph? His brothers were so jealous of the attention that he got from their father, that they sold him off as a slave to passing tradesmen.
See what jealousy does?
Remember King Herod? He was jealous of baby Jesus. He was afraid that his throne would be taken from him and this new king would reign instead. He ordered all children under the age of two to be killed.
See what jealousy does?
Jealousy is a wicked thing. It doesn't belong in us. When we become jealous of someone because of something they've done or accomplished, that's not Christian. We need to ask for God's help in changing that. We need to get that jealousy out! We need to stay pure and away from jealousy!
The Tenth Commandment is: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, Deuteronomy 5:21)
In order to do what God wants us to do, we need to get rid of jealous, completely. It should have no hold on us. It shouldn't be there. It does not belong in our lives. Ask God to rid yourself of it.
"Love is patient, love is kind. IT DOES NOT ENVY, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1st Corinthians 13:4-8)
In order to BE love, we need to be ALL of that! We can't just be some of it. We need to strive to be all of it. So strive! REJOICE with the truth! Be who God called you to be. Be who He created you to be. And love it. Love every minute of it. Love every inch of yourself. From the tip of your toe, to the last hair on your head.
Remember! God made you special! And He loves you VERY much!
Dedicated to a very special person.
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