Alright kids, today I would like to talk about something I am sure none of you have a problem with… It’s just something I need to get out… Actually it’s something very important. Today I want to talk about Jealousy, you don’t have any right? Didn’t think so. I would like to clarify, what I am talking about isn’t just the “I am jealous that my friend isn’t spending as much time with me as she used to.” jealous. I am talking about that little voice that pops into your head saying “No fair”, and I would like to admit I definitely let that voice over take me from time to time. Maybe even on weekly or biweekly basis. This is the voice that seems to pop up when you have been working, praying, and sweating over something, like school, your career, or even spiritual gifts. And someone else breezes by you, seeming to not even sweat a drop. This jealousy kills your day! It kills friendships, and it kills your witness. I don’t care if you hide it well… I can assure you, if you are constantly saying “No fair!” Jesus love is probably not coming out of you. After all love is not jealous right? (1 Cor 13:4) I admit one of my biggest and most reoccurring sins is probably this. God has put very specific boundaries, in a certain area of my life. Some that not everyone has been called to, and I always seem to catch myself saying “No fair God, why can’t I do that!!”. Also I have know what ministry I am supposed to do since seventh grade, and sometimes I will meet someone who just found out they have a similar calling, and just step up and breeze by me. Rocketing to where I would love to be by now. “No fair!”, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!! That is not love!! And it’s not even really true! I have been separated from certain things for many reasons, my ministry being one of them. My calling and yours may be “the same” but, God has a very different and specific plan for me. Different than yours, but both are very important to God, and very close to His heart. You want to know what hides deep in the “No fair” voice? Pride, anger, worry, and unthankfulness. Thats right, when you say “No fair” to God, you are saying “Hey God, your not being fair, I want more! Your plans are not in good timing. I don’t want your plan for me. I want something “better”". Ouch!! Do you want to know how to get rid of this awful mindset? Two words, that it! Just two simple words. “Thank you.” Just sit on that for awhile, think about it. Thank you. Phil 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” “God thank you, thank you for this day, thank you for this meal, thank you for this opportunity, thank you for my friends, thank you for the opportunities they are getting. Bless them!” I mean, how amazing does that feel. How relieving. I mean just take a deep breathe. Don’t you feel lighter? It draws you so much deeper to God. And its an act of Love.
I am going to let you go on that. Really pray into this. I feel like sometimes we think of it as a small issue, when it is in fact very important, and very key to a deeper intimacy with God. There is so much more revelation in this, but I am nannying and someone just woke up.
Just a little side note I am reading a book called “all I need is Jesus and good pair of jeans.” By Susanna Foth Aughtmon. its a simple read and about everyday things that put wedges in between us and God. It has really helped me see and overcome, the things blocking me from intimacy with God.
Have a great life!
Allie E. Doss