Jealousy and Selfishness

God instructed us to judge ourselves that we may not be judged. It is imperative that we examine our thoughts and dispositions to determine whether they be of the faith.

Example: A true tell-tell sign of iniquity in the form of subtle jealousy; is when in a disagreement with another wherein you express anger or discontentment you find it necessary to point to the things God has blessed the other individual with; even though this proclamation of ownership or blessed disposition of the other has nothing to do with the situation at hand. However, in some cases it is a total disregard as to how the individual might have used their ownership or blessed state to benefit the one who is now corrupted with jealousy.

Example: Years ago I counseled a mother whom I will refer to as Sister Y. After many years of catching rides, saving and sacrificing she purchased a new car. But she had a son who was in need of a car to get back and forth to work and to take his children back and forth to school. She realized it was easier for her to get around without a car than it is for him. Therefore, she gave him her new car to drive, which she continued to pay for. Though she never drove the car, when needed she paid for the oil to be changed. She set up an account at the local gas station so that he could get gas with just his signature. She kept new tires on the car and made sure it was tuned up periodically. He drove the car for three years and then hardship caused her to get behind in the payments. The son’s response to her delinquency of payment was anger and hostility reminding her that the car was hers and the responsibility was hers. He gave the car back to her and went out and bought himself a new one.

As the scriptures have confirmed, jealousy has no ransom. Therefore, the more one does for those who are jealous of the Lord’s blessings in their life the more they will be resented. The fact that Sister Y owned the car had nothing to do with their present situation. She never drove the car and her love and concern for her son’s well being caused her to do all she could to provide what he needed at the time. But when the financial pressure needed to be shared, and some amicable solution derived, anguish and selfishness ruled the moment. There are those in the Body of Christ who respond to the Father in the same manner. I have known ministers who serve as pastors whose salaries may be meager to say the least. However, the ministry pays for their home, their cell phones, their vehicles, their gas, their clothes, their dry cleaning and in some cases, their personal legal obligations. Yet they say they have nothing and the ministry gives them nothing. They are always complaining and murmuring. I have come to understand what Paul was trying to convey to us leaders when he said, “we are poor that you may be rich.” I have concluded that those of us who are given the gravest of spiritual responsibility might also be considered last regarding natural things. It may be that our lives are to help secure the comforts of others. It may be that we are given houses for others to dwell in or cars for others to drive. Nevertheless, let not the jealousy or selfishness of others move you from the resolve that you were made to be a blessing to those who love you for it; as well as those who hate you for it.