Flesh v/s Spirit – Emulations, Envyings

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Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Last time was a very important lesson for us to always seek peace in all situations. We learned that being right is not more important than what it will cost.

Today, we will study two more symptoms to a carnal fleshly lifestyle. Let’s look at the original Greek text first.

Emulations – zelos (dzay’-los): jealousy, envy, indignation

Envyings – phthonos (fthon’-os): ill-will, jealousy, spite, envy

I believe that almost every one has been envious or jealous more than once in their lives. Yes, even Christians. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your above it either. Just read the following and then tell me if you know what I’m talking about.

Your Mother-in-Law:

Perhaps she is a great cook, keeps a cleaner house, or can sew and you can’t.

My Mother-in-Law is a wonderful person and I don’t really have too much I don’t like about her. However, I remember once when I couldn’t get a stain out of one of my husband’s uniform shirts and he innocently mentioned the idea of taking it to his Mother. He thought she may be able to get it out. Grrr. I got instantly jealous and felt a heavy dose of ill-will. There was no way “Mommy” was going to out do me! LOL. I did eventually get the stain out, but I wasn’t proud of my reaction and have gotten better over time.

I have to remember that we were all given different talents and gifts. One is not better than the other. We are all equal to God. It’s OK for her to be better at stains than me. It does not mean I am not a good wife. I’m just not great with stains…but, I am an excellent cook and she does not cook. You see?

Your Friend(s):

Maybe your friend seems to get all the blessings that you feel you need or deserve. Perhaps she has more stuff than you or stuff that you wish you had.

For some reason God gave me all of these rich friends. They have everything they could ever want and they can shop for their kids whenever they needed or in some cases don’t need. They all have homes of their own and nice new cars with air conditioning. You get the point…

Sometimes, yes, even now, I can feel myself becoming envious and on occasion jealous. When I’m sitting in the car and my baby is sweating in the back seat…when I can’t afford to get my daughter new clothes…when I want so bad to get my hair done but can’t afford it…when I look at all the beautiful homes and do not own my own…

You see what I mean? If you let yourself you can just go on and on and on…But. then I remember that I am the righteousness of God. My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches and Glory. My God owns a cattle on a thousand hills. I am joint heir with Christ. If I diligently seek Him, He shall give me the desires of my heart.

And most of all, I remember to be thankful. No matter how bad we “think” we have it someone has it much worse. I begin to thank God that I have arms and legs, eyes and ears, my health, food to eat, a roof over my head, a car to drive (no air is better than walking), two beautiful daughters, a wonderful husband, the blessing of being home with my children, that I am loved, I live in a country where I can worship the Lord, and I am a child of the KING OF KINGS! I just talked myself right out of a pity party.

I’m sure you can come up with countless examples of how the green eyed monster can come knocking. It does not matter the scenario…Talk yourself out of it. You have absolutely NO reason to be jealous or envious of anyone. You may not have the same gifts or talents. You may not be as rich or be able to stay home with your children.

It does not matter…THERE ARE WORSE THINGS.

If you really seek God’s face and put Him first in your life He WILL give you the desires of your heart. As you get close to Him and really get to know Him you will want the things that He wants for you. You will be blessed.

In closing, I challenge you to wake up every day with a thankful heart and tell yourself OUT LOUD the you are blessed. I mean it. Let’s start right now, repeat after me…

I…AM…BLESSED! I..AM..BLESSED! I AM BLESSED!!!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, Thank You for all the wonderful blessings you have given me in my life. Thank You for my children, my husband, my health, my hands and feet, my arms and legs. Thank you for eyes to see and ears to hear. Thank you for a roof over my head and a computer with internet. Thank you for my life. Thank you for sending Your Son and saving me from hell. Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You for Your Word and truth. Help me to remember all I am and all I have when envy or jealousy bares it’s ugly head. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

And I am thankful for all of you!

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved