Jealousy and Seeing Green

A couple months back, my sisters and I were covering my Mom’s Sunday school class while she was out for surgery.  During that time, we were teaching the kids about Rachel and Leah.  And, you know, jealousy.

(Hint, friend.  There’s a coupon code and a giveaway at the end of this post!)

I honestly think it’s safe to say children are the most honest creatures on this planet.  I’m always shocked, but shouldn’t be, at the level of honesty displayed by children.

So, as I was teaching the lesson, I asked the kids if they had ever been jealous before.  And wouldn’t you know, they had been jealous and they weren’t afraid to admit it. 

The other day, a copy of Tilly Dillehay’s new book, Seeing Green: Don’t Let Envy Color Your Joy, showed up in my mailbox.  Tilly’s book is all about recognizing where jealousy could be hiding and combating it with God’s truth in order to see His glory.

As I was reading through the book, I got to thinking about the Sunday school kids.

Like I said, those kids weren’t afraid to admit they were jealous.  So, if children can admit it, why do we struggle with admitting it, too?

Okay, hold up.  I know, we’re adults. We don’t get jealous.  Right?

Maybe.  And maybe not.

Maybe you’ve experienced some of jealousy’s cousins and thought it was just a case of discontentment instead?

You see, when jealousy rears it’s ugly head, it brings along a lot of other unwanted party guests.

For example, you’re scrolling through social media and you see people who are “doing better than you”. (Spoiler, the “perfect social media life” is not so perfect.  It’s a guise.)   You’re not seeing all the flaws, just what others want you to see.

And suddenly, you’re feeling discontent with your own life.  You’re having a pity party and depression sneaks in.  You’re more than a smidgen resentful of the other people.  And pretty soon, even though you don’t see it, the green eyed monster takes a bite and you can’t see the good things God blessed you with.

And that’s exactly what Satan, the host of the pity party, wants all of his guests to leave with: a cloud of envy and blinders that block out God’s goodness.

Like Tilly says, when envy hits, it’s time to pull out the big guns: love, diligence, humility, and transparency.  When we recognize that the green eyed monster is sliding up close, it’s time to dig deep and start looking to Jesus.  Look at your own life and the things God has blessed you with and then start praying that you overcome the spirit of jealousy.  And while you’re at it, start praying for those you’re jealous of.  Because chances are, you’re not seeing their struggles, too.

Friend, that cloud of envy dulls your light. Step out from under the cloud and shine bright for the Lord.

P.S. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a copy of Tilly Dillehay’s book, Seeing Green: Don’t Let Envy Color Your Joy!  Enter the giveaway here.  Winners will be chosen on 9/20/18.  Special thanks to FrontGate Media for sponsoring!

P.P.S. If you buy a copy of Seeing Green here, use coupon code SEEINGGREEN25 for 25% off!  Coupon expires September 30, 2018.

(No affiliate links here!)