Jealousy: Its Toxic!

OK…….I must admit it.  I do get jealous.  Not really what others have; perhaps a bigger and nicer home:  clothes from the most trendy shops…..well, you know.  The list goes on.  I’m more jealous of what is in their repertoire of achievements.  They can do more and accomplish more than I could ever do.  

People use the word jealous as just an expression.  “Oh, you are making a trip to Italy, I’m, so jealous! “Of course, they don’t mean to it to be anymore than expression of interest.  But perhaps there is more.

Remember, in the Hebrew scriptures, Numbers 16: 1-18…Where Korah, who was also of the tribe of Levi, gathered a group of leaders from the 12 tribes and presented themselves to Moses.  They challenged his right to be the only leader of the whole assembly.  After all, they too felt as though Moses should not be the only champion among the people.  God had chosen them all and he, Korah, also should be allowed to lead the people, perhaps even to replace Aaron, as high priest. 

Here we see how jealousy plays a part in people’s lives.  Not only did God choose Moses as leader but He likewise punished those who sought to replace what God had commanded.

Feelings of jealousy are normal, but if those feelings are allowed to evolve, beware!  Excessive jealousy is self-sabotaging and hijacks a person’s clarity and perception. 

God grants each of us resources with which to achieve our specific life purposes.  Saying to yourself, “I deserve this just as much, or even more than someone else.”  Why don’t I have what she/ he has?  Is implying that God’s agenda is flawed.  Thoughts such as these express entitlement and that led to Korah’s downfall.

Our material possessions, talents and circumstances are needed to best play our earthly roles in the script of life that we are given.  That is to say,  we also must live up to our potential. 

What we have or lack is necessary for our role.  It’s not the part we play that matters, what matters is how well we play the part!!  Jealousy distracts a person from accomplishing what she/he has been placed in the world to achieve.

 Our thoughts and actions influence our direction.   Harboring jealousy produces negative ramifications and is harmful to our health and well-being. 

How can we/I avoid falling into the clutches of jealousy?  Recognize that thoughts lead to actions.  Wisely and proactively choose what thoughts you allow to occupy your mind.  Eliminate the phrase, “I’m so jealous” from your vocabulary.  It may be just an expression, but it’s certainly not a positive one worth repeating. 

Jealousy is also negative thinking.  Focus on the blessings that God has given us.  Be positive in what you do and what you say.  Put that into action by telling others what you admire about them or their accomplishments. We will never really know anyone’s real situation in life.  But being a friend, being supportive will not allow jealousy to be part of your life. 

Let’s learn from the mistakes of Korah and his followers.  Aspire to overcome feelings of jealousy. 

“Love your neighbor, as you love yourself.”  That solves the problem of jealousy.