Bone Cancer

Reading: Genesis 4:1-16

"A sound heart is life to the body,

but envy is rottenness to the bones" (Prov 14:30)

Many people are not aware that jealousy is dormant in them. It shows up, for example, when a sudden fortune strikes a neighbour and he buys a house or a new car.

The unhappy feeling that one gets when someone rises to a better status results in jealousy. It is the root of "confusion and every evil work" (Js 3:16). It is a sign of carnality (1 Cor 3:3). It is a fruit of devilish and not divine knowledge (Js 3:14-17). It is more cruel than wrath and anger (Prov 27:4). It is a work of darkness (Rom 13:13; Gal 5:21). Jealousy causes physical sickness (Prov 14:30) and also hinders spiritual growth (1 Pet 2;1,2).

In the Bible we read of jealousy among brothers and sisters. When God respected Abel and his offering, his brother Cain became jealous (Gen 4:4,5). Joseph's brothers envied him when God blessed him (Gen 37:5,11). Rachel envied her sister (Gen 30:1). When one distinguishes himself in his secular employment there is jealousy (Dan 6:3,4). In religious circles jealousy arises when God uses a particular person significantly (1 Sam 18:6-9) and he has signs and wonders in his ministry (Mk 9:38,39; Lk 9:49,50). Even Jesus was subject to such onslaught by people with jealousy (Mk 15:10).

We should be content with God's allotment and provision to us. Then we will have no jealousy (Mt 20:11-15). When God promotes someone higher than us, we need not have a sense of fear or insecurity as King Saul had (1 Sam 18:8,9; Jn 12:19). Another cause of jealousy is the failure to realise that it matters not who does it as long as the victory is to the Lord and the gains go to His Kingdom (1 Cor 3:5-9).

When arrows of jealousy are aimed at us, we must not be puffed up but commit ourselves to God and allow His Word to refine us as Joseph did (Psa 105:19; Acts 7:9). When Pilate released Barabas instead of Jesus due to jealousy, Jesus committed Himself patiently and wholly to His Father (Mk 15:9,10; 1 Pet 2:19-23). When Daniel came under professional jealousy, he continued to maintain honesty and sincerity in all areas of life (Dan 6:3,4). He who is righteous let him be righteous still!

Envy can ruin reputations, split churches, and cause murders.
Envy can shrink our circle of friends, ruin our business,
and dwarf our souls. I have seen hundreds cursed by it!

(Billy Graham)

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