You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
James 4:2
What is it about envy and jealousy that seem to want to take control of our lives? How many fights have ended in death because of envy? The opposite of these emotions is contentment. Knowing God is filling our needs and finding joy in what He has given to us. This should bring an attitude of gratefulness to our hearts, instead of sinful jealousies. Yet, because of sin, we always seem to want more. Jealousy and envy are, simply said, desires to have ownership of another’s possessions or progress.
The green-eyed monster saying comes straight from Shakespeare’s Othello (3.3); where the villain Iago tells Othello, “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” It is said the poet’s reference is towards the green-eyed cat family. They are said to enjoy teasing their prey; seeming to love and hate them at the same time.
Jealousy is a dangerous animal, though I think not a furry cat or tiny frog, which attempts to control a person’s life. Perhaps, the nature of some cats are questionable. As for the tiny frog, he can’t help it that he is green. Is it not better to be recognized as a child of God, than as one who would do any to get what they want; it’ll never be enough, people.
May you find contentment in your life today.
Patti Wolf 