When Cain spoke to Abel saying, “Let us go out to the field”, it was with evil intent that he uttered those words, for sin had already grabbed ahold of his heart. Yet it wasn’t from a sudden fit of rage that he rose up and struck down his brother, but with a calculated plan, borne out of jealousy, which led Cain to slay Abel.
Ah then, what a destructive spirit is jealousy, for it seeks to pit one against another, inciting rivalry that is meant to stir up strife, which, if allowed to fester, will eventually lead to hate. And so it is, that many are the relationships that have come to ruination because jealousy was allowed to enter the picture. Oh how disquieted is the soul of one who has partnered with jealousy, for there is a sense of striving within to always be the best, and as such, quickly grow discontented, for their days are spent comparing themselves with others.
Who then can really befriend someone that is bound by this envious spirit, as its voice will always promote a sense of unhealthy competition, where all are eventually viewed as a threat? For with ones such as these, there is no joy in another’s good fortune or success. Though most who are chained to jealousy shall not resort to murdering another, as did Cain, that does not preclude them, however, from having evil thoughts towards those they consider to be rivals, nor from conducting themselves unscrupulously in an attempt to bolster their own self-esteem, all the while denigrating the reputation of any seen as a competitor, as there is a vindictive streak that runs through those in league with this vile spirit.
Yet, just as with Cain, jealousy will make an exile out of anyone who gives it permission to enter their life, for this dark force is known for breeding suspicion and contempt in its host in order to form breaches of mistrust in most every relationship, causing even the most tolerant to walk away in disgust. For like a viper does jealousy suddenly strike, and those bitten by its venomous fangs are prone to shy away from its path lest they fall victim again to its sharp bite.
Although in the world this spitting serpent is allowed the room to freely slither about poisoning the wounds of the insecure with its toxic rhetoric, within My Body, however, this shouldn’t be, for jealousy must not be given a place among you. Therefore, let none be found listening to jealousy’s pleas, as he seeks to hinder your witness by stirring up strife between My children through petty rivalries and selfishness.
I say: Lay aside this childish behavior. For each of you were called to be ambassadors for your King, and so should conduct yourselves as such. In My Kingdom, there is no need for competition of any kind, as all our co-equals in Christ. Set a guard upon your hearts so that jealousy is not given the way to enter. Ignore his whispers which insist that you should be envious of the gifts or anointings found in your brethren. Were you not also called to shine the light of Christ in this world? So do not look around through the lens of comparison, but confidently stand in who I created you to be!
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” –James 3:13-18