Tag Archives: a spirit of jealousy

Run for Your Life

Some will point to the Woodstock Music Festival in the summer of 1969 as the birthplace of America’s sexual revolution fueled by recreational drugs.  This movement led the United States government to declare a war on drugs in the 1980’s.  Public service announcements were used to encourage young people to reject this temptation behind Nancy Reagan’s leadership.  Unfortunately, a commercial doesn’t help individuals when temptation arrives.  Thus, sometimes whether if it sounds smart or not, a prudent person will run for their life.

She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house, Genesis 39:12.

A naive Joseph finds himself in an awkward predicament, as his bosses wife wants to have sex, making a pass at him day after day.  Like a stalker waiting for the perfect moment, Potiphar’s wife get’s her wish, finally alone with Joseph.  Sensing the inevitable, Joseph flees the scene, knowing this time he will not be able to withstand her advances.  While the curious may celebrate and indulge in the pleasures of life, Joseph’s conscience prevents him from giving in to lust.

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,”Genesis 4:7.

Unfortunately, sin if often premeditated.  Those who have already made up their minds, the only thing that remains is the actual act.  This is where we find Cain, as a spirit of jealousy has pushed him to the brink, contemplating the idea of getting rid of his brother.  If you ever reach this point, running for your life is one of the last viable options remaining.  Therefore, before you take a bite of forbidden fruit, follow in the footsteps of Joseph by fleeing from temptation.  By doing this, you will find favor from God.

by Jay Mankus

When Jealousy is in the Air

The presence, sight or trace of gifted, special or talented individuals can be a tough pill to swallow for a typical American.  Whenever average, mediocre and middle of the road people come in contact with someone who appears to be more blessed, an uneasy feeling grips souls.  Subsequently, when the conditions are ripe, a spirit of jealousy fills the air around the insecure.

But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast, Genesis 4:5.

As children experience new emotions for the first time, coping with these feelings can be challenging.  In fact for some, this may be the root of temper tantrums, overcome by the moment or unable to accept reality.  This is where we find Cain in the book of Genesis, frustrated by his younger brother’s success.  Despite his hard work as a farmer, God was more pleased with Abel’s giving heart as a shepherd.  Sensing a mounting tension, the Lord tried to intervene, but it was too late as jealousy was conceived inside of Cain.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:19-21.

When in the air, jealousy can turn mature men into childish individuals.  By products of this sinful nature produce fits of rage, selfish ambition and division among groups.  Once conceived, jealousy breeds envy, blinding one’s perspective of your own gifts and talents.  Therefore, the next time you sense the presence of jealousy in the air, fight back with prayer and the sword of the Spirit.  If you claim God’s promises in prayer you will likely avoid following in the footsteps of Cain.

by Jay Mankus