Manna Moment -- Sinful Nature Part 5

[Rev. Lyn Bell]

Galatians 5:19-21 “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Good morning it is Tuesday and still chilly at 47 degrees with a high of 67, but sunny skies. Its harvest season and looking at what can be put in the garden for décor before the harsh winter, turns out to be ornamental cabbage, pumpkins and pansies! Yes pansies are very hearty so now is the time to plant some in planters or in the ground. Going to do some this weekend! I am inspired by my neighbor’s beautiful garden, it so beautiful it makes one green with jealousy. She is a terrific gardener and neighbor that have helped me over the years. I know she is going to read this, so neighbor I do love your garden and you!

We are in part five of acts of the flesh and today’s act is jealousy. The word in Greek is zelos which is our word zeal and was originally a good word. It meant emulation, the desire to attain nobility when we see it. But as the enemy does with all good things, it degenerated and it became the desire to obtain what someone else has. Not in the true since, but what they have that is not yours. Yep that’s the easy line to cross in jealousy. It can be to obtain and you move in that direction or it can become evil and you become obsessed with it and it’s not yours to have. I really love my neighbor’s garden so I am motivated to buy some pansies and ornamental cabbage for a fall look at my front door. I am not covetous of what she has, but simply inspired to make an effort to do something. On the other hand if this yard thing became competitive, then it would be a problem which turns that admiration into jealousy.

Have you watched someone look at you up and down as you approach them and it’s not admiration because they never say anything, but pure envy. I recently had that to happen to me and I was so disappointed because I thought our relationship had improved over the years. Instead what I got was the same envious look and instead of her saying I like your outfit, I got an evil barb as she said to the other lady standing there, she is trying to look cute. Couldn’t she just say, hey girl you wearing those pink sandals and moved right along, or better yet just said good morning and gave me a hug. The sad thing is if I saw the spirit of jealousy so did others and it’s not something that is hidden. It’s something others can see. When I catch myself being jealous (it’s like pride often hidden and you don’t see it), but when you do, rebuke it and ask God to give you something nice to say and it only kills the devil. You can’t move out of it, until you are willing to recognize it. Denial only deepens it grip and then it will be a wrangling match.

Unfortunately the sister’s jealous issue spills over into other ways in how she interacts with me and she doesn’t realize it. It can happen to anyone, but it’s usually out of insecurity or pride. Yep pride, it’s another trick of the enemy. God bless today and I pray for myself and others when we are caught off guard by the act of the flesh of jealousy. It has caused great fights, wars and destruction in all circles, families, organizations and the like. Only the Holy Spirit can beat it down so it’s something we must pray about! I pray for my sister, as I hope others pray for me! God bless today!