How is Jealousy like Flames from Hell? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Certainly, jealousy should never play a role in my relationship with Mom, that would be ludicrous! I knew that! Even more so, after I found out she suffered so from bipolar disease. Perhaps that is why I blew it off or worse, I stuffed it deep inside me where jealousy could grow like flames from Hell burning within a dark crevice of my heart where I forbid anyone to see. If I never uttered the words or gave credence to its existence; then, maybe it would go away. Yet, God knew it was there and that it would have to dealt with. He knew that for His true love to reign in my heart, the chaff of jealousy had to be dealt with. Because if truth be known, who was my jealousy really of, if not God, Himself.

When the Shulamite woman looked off into the distance, she saw someone on the arms of her beloved and cried out; “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave. Its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6 NKJV).

As I begin to explain jealousy, you might say, “How foolish!” Yet, stop for a moment, look deep within your own heart to see if any jealousy is lurking there. It was certainly there in the hearts of the apostles.

Jealousy in the Hearts of the Apostles

We cannot help but notice in the account of the rich young ruler, how quickly Peter responded, “See, we have left all and followed you. Therefore, what shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27 NKJV). The seed of jealousy begins there. “Lord, what will you give me for MY faithfulness.” Have we so quickly forgotten He called us and He opened our eyes that we might desire to follow? Isn’t His presence enough?

While working in the jail ministry, I noticed some who would profess salvation just because they wanted God to rescue them and suddenly make their life easy. It wasn’t about true repentance or love toward God. Instead, it was a get out of jail free card they wanted. They did not want God, only His gifts. We see that within our churches and society as well, all too often. The question I came to ask them was: “If God never gave you what you asked for. If heaven and hell were not on the line. Would you love God for who He is in all His Glory and desire to be in His presence? Would He be your greatest desire?” When their answer was “No!” Then, I said, “I fear you do not know Him at all.”

Beyond, “what will you give me for following you”; we find that the apostles often murmured amongst themselves as to who was the greater and would hold the greatest position in Christ’s Kingdom one day. You can see that in Mark 10:35-47, Matthew 20:20-21, and Luke 22:24.

Furthermore, when Christ foretold of Peter’s cruel death, his first response was: “What about him? As he pointed to John” (John 21:21). Jesus response, “what is that to you, follow me” (John 21:22).

Concluding Thoughts (Putting Out the Flames from Hell of Jealousy)

Over the next few posts, together we will explore jealousy. As we do so, I bid you open your own heart and ask God to reveal to you if lurking there are some dusty shreds of jealousy or envy. Only when we recognize its presence can we honesty bring its filthy rags to the cross of Christ. If not, it will grow into a raging fire from the pits of hell to destroy our testimony and to keep us chained to anger, guilt and depression. Jesus Christ died on the cross to release us from the chains of sin. Before God, through faith, every believer stands justified adorned by the righteousness of Christ.

However, when we adorn those filthy rags of jealousy before the world, they cannot see Jesus Christs righteousness shining through us. Satan cannot steal our salvation; but, he can certainly try to mess up our witness for Christ. God will transform our hearts, one step at a time. For me, I had to first recognize and name my jealousy; then, lay it at the foot of the cross. Only then could I be freed from its chains, so I could truly experience the abiding, steadfast joy I had been given in Christ Jesus.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here

Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

ANOTHER Book Available

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.