DRAWING NEAR
August 15
Overcoming Jealousy
"Love . . . is not jealous" (1 Cor. 13:4).
Jealousy thrives in a climate of selfish ambition.
Jealousy is an insidious sin that cries out, "I want what you have,
and furthermore, I don't want you to have it." It replaces
contentment with resentment and spawns a myriad of other sins.
The Corinthians, in truth, were jealous of one another's spiritual
gifts. First Corinthians 12:31 literally says, "You are earnestly
desiring the showy gifts, but I show you a more excellent way." The
word translated "earnestly desiring" is translated "jealous" in 1
Corinthians 13:4. It means "to boil" and speaks of the inner seething
that comes from wanting something that someone else has. In 1
Corinthians 3:3 Paul rebukes them for the jealousy and strife that
existed among them.
Paul knew what it meant to be victimized by jealous people. During
one of his imprisonments he candidly wrote, "Some, to be sure, are
preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good
will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for
the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish
ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me
distress in my imprisonment" (Phil. 1:15-17).
Paul's attitude toward those who envied him was exemplary: "Whether
in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice,
yes, and I will rejoice" (v. 18). He wasn't motivated by personal
comfort or selfish ambition. He loved Christ deeply and wanted as
many people as possible to hear the gospel. As long as Christ was
being proclaimed, Paul was happy--regardless of his own circumstances
or the motives of others. That should be your perspective too.
Love is the antidote for jealousy. When godly love governs your
heart, you can rejoice in the spiritual successes of others, even
when you know their motives are wrong. But if you seek prominence and
selfish gain, you become an easy target for jealousy and resentment.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Confess any jealousy you might be harboring toward others. Ask
God to deepen your love for Christ so jealousy can't gain a
foothold in your heart in the future.
For Further Study:
Read 2 Corinthians 11:2. Is there such a thing as godly jealousy?
Explain.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
2 Corinthians 11:2
2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to
Christ.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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