Kolby Koloff and Sadie Robertson taught on jealousy for week nine of their video devotional series. The girls have asked fans to submit topics for them to talk about, and comparison with others was a common request.
Koloff, who stars on Lifetime's "Preacher's Daughters," began the devotional by reading James 3:14:
"But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying" (New Living Translation).
"Don't be jealous of anybody - be happy with what you're given because you are blessed with whatever you have," says Koloff. Sadie says that Miss Kay Robertson often warns that jealousy is the worst sin of all. "It's so small, but it leads to so many more sins ... things that you wouldn't normally do," says Sadie. The jealous heart often has ill-will toward those who have what it covets - "Don't want something bad to happen to someone just because you're jealous of them," Sadie warns.
The root of jealousy is often being ungrateful for and distrusting of what the Lord has planned for your life. When we compare ourselves to others and desire what we do not have, we are really saying in the back of our minds that we would make better decisions than what God has determined for our lives. Moreover, the Apostle Paul says that covetousness stems from idolatry - worshipping something other than God (see Colossians 3:5).
Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" When we comprehend the infinite worth of Christ and His promise to be with us always, we are less apt to covet what others have. Being content in the Lord will bring believers peace and joy, even if we don't always have everything that our hearts desire.
God is able to sustain us in every and any circumstance, whether we have little or much. Paul celebrates this fact in Philippians 4:11-13:
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me."
When you are tempted to compare yourself with others, ask yourself this question - what is it that they have that I really want? For instance, jealousy over someone's popularity can often stem from a deeper desire to be loved. "Be grateful for who you are, because God made you wonderful and just the way He wanted you," says Sadie. The good news is that you can pray to the Lord and ask Him to fulfill the deepest desires in your heart - He is more than able.
