1 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV) – You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
Proverbs 27:4 (NIV) – Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
When I think of subtle, non-obvious human emotions and tendencies that kill both spiritually and mentally I think of anger, pride, greed, and lust. The aforementioned human tendencies are very deadly to any spiritual life and we must continually make sure to watch out and be on our guard against them.
However, envy, jealousy and covetousness are also deadly sins with a similar tendency to cause spiritual damage that many believers do not watch out for.
Envy is cancerous and malignant in a Christian life. It is a demonic attribute of the carnal nature. (James 3:14-16)
In case you want to know if there are traces of envy and jealousy in your life, ask yourself these questions:
Do you wish you have what someone else has been given by God?
Are you dissatisfied about your God-given gifts?
Are you reluctant to applaud others for their accomplishments?
Are you always competing to be like another person?
Are you intimidated and insecure with another person’s spiritual power, influence, or affluence?
If you notice you are battling with these feelings, please check yourself into an emergency Christian counseling and deliverance room of the Holy Spirit.
For your information, envy is a work of the flesh, a human tendency that consumes anyone who does not submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Do not entertain envy like Cain did and killed his brother Abel. Also don’t be like Joseph’s brothers who threw him into a pit and sold him to slavery.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray that you help me to rejoice with others and be thankful for your unique gifts that you have also bestowed me with. I chose to die daily to envy and jealousy as I put on the new man that is transformed through the renewal of my mind in your word. Help me seek help and deliverance from this stronghold so I can enjoy freedom as I serve in your vineyard. Amen.