Advent Nine - Jealousy

 

Egon Schiele- self Portrait
Leopold Museum, Vienna
credit: arthistoryproject.com

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.  Proverbs 14:30

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  James 3:16

Jealousy is a canker, that if unchecked, will establish itself, and destroy all joy.  Where does it come from?  We see it in children who vie for attention like the yellow little beaks sticking out of the nest as the parent bird flies in.  It's roots are insecurity and fear.  Just as when we see a dark patch of water on the ceiling, we know we must act swiftly, so too with jealousy, because it will do us no good.  What do we do?  We see that it comes from insecurity; from envy.  The first two brothers in the bible were Cain and Abel.  Cain was jealousy, because he felt the insecurity of his relationship with the Creator.  He saw that Abel's was strong and content.  He lashed out at his brother in a drunken fit of stupidity.  A secure relationship is a solid foundation.  This is what our Creator is offering us.

PRAYER:  Lord I believe.  Help me with my unbelief.