Jealousy is, without doubt, a horrible adaption for anyone. It can start in the youngest individual and grow into an absolute plague to one as they grow older. Never finding satisfaction in their current status it gradually eats away and reacts to what others achieve or procure as a result of their status.
I have watched how some individuals can never be satisfied with what they possess. They always want more, no matter the comfort zone in which they are living. The money spent on “throw away toys” in the electronic field is often the result of jealousy. In fact, a trip to Goodwill is really an eye-opener. The shelves are filled with items that were once “necessary”.
There was a day when we could be happy to get four wheels under us to travel to far-away places. Now we are sucked into more elaborate and comfy cars. We are suckers for all of the possible gadgets and gizmos that are available. It has little to do with transportation, it is part of our modified bragging and only creates jealousy in the person to whom we show it.
When Jesus Christ had been resurrected, the disciples went around preaching and performing many different types of miracles. By the way, they had been advised in advance that such ability would be theirs. Also, a gradual cessation of many of these “gifts” became apparent as the apostles became the martyr’s of the first century A.D.
During this early period we read: “At the hands of the Apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people.”(Acts 5:12) One group dared not associate with the apostles, while another group was enamored, “holding them in high esteem.” Multitudes of people were added to their number. As a result, they were sought out by large numbers to be healed.
“The high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees) and they were filled with jealousy. They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.” (Acts 5:17, 18)
There is that word, jealousy! It is amazing just how far an individual can deteriorate when he allows himself to be set ablaze with such repulsiveness. We must learn early in life to deal with it; later in life it becomes harder, but with the help of the Lord it can be conquered. If it is one of your battles, secure the help of the Savior. Scripture indicates that He will respond to our honest requests and help us to be victorious. A reminder from Holy Writ is for our attention: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) We may be hard nuts to crack, but God can and will enable us to conquer jealousy!!
ETCetera 