The Consequences of Jealousy

Background Scripture: Genesis 4
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 4:3–15

Introduction

Jealousy, as evidenced in our title, has consequences that cannot be circumvented. Anyone who consciously holds jealousy in his heart must accept the outcome of the slavery it brings. Jealousy is as old as mankind. Because of jealousy, Cain slew Abel a short time after the world was created. Cain was undone by his own sin: the canker of jealousy. It is self-inflicted and eats from the inside out, destroying relationships with both God and man.

Key Verse

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Our lesson text brings us the account of Cain and Abel. Some Bible scholars suggest they were mature men by this time. Each of them felt an unction to give of his goods as an offering to God. Obviously, there was a strong desire in each brother’s heart to reach out to God. Nevertheless, their inward desire was markedly different. Able sought God by faith, but obviously Cain did not. Could it be that Cain’s heart carried the seed of jealousy as he thought of his relationship with God as opposed to that of his brother? It seemed clear to Cain that the problem rested with Abel and not himself. We also experience such temptations.

Let us review the sad scenario of our lesson. Cain realized that God had rejected his offering. He knew this as surely as we know when our prayers do not go through and God seems far away. Cain looked for someone to criticize in an effort to shift the blame from where it really belonged. His focus landed on his brother Abel, and he saw him as the obstacle in his way.

God reached out to Cain at this point and spoke with him, giving him the opportunity to repent. However, Cain considered the offense in his heart more worthy of attention than the call of the Lord, and the result was realized some time later. As we know, jealousy became Cain’s master, and at its directive he murdered his own brother.

After this tragedy God again visited with Cain. Casting about, Cain tried to find a viable excuse. There was none. Jealousy had done its work. God pronounced a curse upon Cain to serve as a reminder that jealousy is a hard master. Cain had followed his ungoverned heart, and God placed a mark on him as a result of his jealousy. So today, anything gained or caused by jealousy leaves a mark upon our heart which is never absolved until we bring it to Christ for cleansing.

Practical Truths for Today

Jealousy, like lust, seeks to control the heart in which it dwells. When allowed to flourish within the heart of man, jealousy brings a full-blown storm, which is often comprised of related sins. These all combine to bring about utter destruction to the one whom it afflicts. Such a captive is in dire straits and becomes a slave to the storm within. We need to contemplate the precursors of jealousy, because recognizing them is the first step to divert or even annul their disastrous designs.

One typical route to jealousy begins with discontentment. A small thought of discontent may seem benign, but if allowed to become a thought pattern, it becomes a normal part of life and sets the stage for the next step, which is envy. The thorny disposition of envy twists this way and that and produces peer pressure with its slavery. It may be debatable how envy and peer pressure relate to each other; nevertheless, suspicion soon dominates one’s thinking. Next, hatred churns within, roiling the fabric of life into chaos until we feel powerless in its grip. If not repented of, hatred produces malice, and possibly complete dominion by jealousy. Malice is the outward fruit of inward hatred. It was malice, couched in the bosom of those filled with jealousy, that killed innocent Abel and our sinless Lord.

How we react when we realize that we have failed or that our relationship with God is not as it should be is evidence of what is in our heart. If our concept of salvation is based largely on our works, comparisons are apt to become part of our daily life. Because of our fallen, proud nature, we soon think that others are more successful in their Christian life. Had Cain’s offering been offered in faith, his spiritual eyes would have been fixed on the One to whom he was giving. Little did Cain know that jealousy had redirected his offering to an image of pride that he had set up.

Jealousy can produce an emotional experience; we are hurt and may weep because of not getting our way. Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Years later King Ahab came into his palace with a heavy heart, displeased that Naboth would not relinquish his vineyard (1 Kings 21:4). Haman was filled with wrath when Mordecai did not bow down unto him (Esther 3:5). We still find today that jealousy not repented of is not appeased.

Jealousy always points away from ourselves and tears others down. Conversely, love will always look inward to see where a change could take place in order to lift our brother up and appreciate him. A person who is free of jealousy has every right to the King’s table and the strength it provides. Such a one has beautiful potential to grow in God’s kingdom. Heaven is his helper, and little can stand in the way to distract or drag him down.

Jealousy is deeply rooted in our selfish pride. If we feel alienated from God and our brethren, we can count it as an indicator that we have fallen prey to pride and the attending belief that we are entitled to more respect, honor, and favor than we have received. In his disappointment, Cain became a fugitive, separated from God and friendless on earth. Interestingly, Cain’s date of birth and the ages of him and his descendants are unknown. It appears that history has not kindly favored him.

Christians may struggle with jealousy if they live a lukewarm Christian life. Carnal living provides Satan with the optimum conditions in which to sow the seeds of jealousy. If I harbor any jealousy in my heart, it will be difficult for the convictions of true values to develop. Young people who learn early in life to deny any bad attitude a place in their hearts will avoid the consequences of jealousy later on.

Cain serves as an example not to be dismissed. Our flesh is as susceptible as Cain’s to the corrosion of jealousy. Let us take heed and learn how to fortify ourselves against the subtle ways Satan works to drag us down and make us ineffective in our daily warfare. Let us acknowledge our wrong with an honest and humble heart, asking God for forgiveness. The blood of Christ can cleanse us from the sin of jealousy.

Questions

1. What is an effective way to combat jealousy?
2. How long can I carry jealousy before I am enslaved by it?
3. Is it true that you can have jealousy without covetousness, but you cannot have covetousness without jealousy?
4. Is jealousy more serious than we often think?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).