It’s always been hard to keep jealousy at bay, but I think that now it’s harder than ever.  Now that technology is at our fingertips, our friends’ purchases, milestones, and blessings are in our faces 24/7, and we’re more aware than ever before that what they have is different than what we have. And with every instance of inequality, it’s a green light for our flesh to scream, “No fair! I want that too!”

But the Bible is clear that jealousy is a serious no-no. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Prov 14:30 NIV).  In fact, it’s so serious that it’s in the same list as other headline-making sins like witchcraft and immorality! Yikes!

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21 NIV).

So what do we do with the green-eyed monster that lives inside each of us? In my experience, the most effective weapon is also the most difficult to use. It is completely contradictory to everything that I want to do, yet when I do it, it has miraculous results:

I don’t get jealous, I get zealous!

What does that mean?  It means that I try to become zealous – enthusiastic, passionate, and excited – about how God has blessed that person, so much so that I begin praying that God would bless her even more!

If I become bitter that a friend gets to go on a fabulous trip to Italy, I begin praying that her trip would be the experience of her lifetime! I pray that God will keep her safe and that she’ll come back with priceless memories.

If someone excels in her career at a lightning speed and I find myself jealous that mine isn’t moving as quickly, I pray that God would bless her even more!

At first it might feel a bit awkward to pray God’s blessings on something you’re kind of bitter about to begin with, but when you do, here’s what happens. You see God continue to bless that person and instead of taking that as an injustice against you, you see it as an answer to your own prayers! Their blessings become your blessings and your envy is free to turn into thanksgiving!

Of course, I don’t want to suggest that every ounce of jealousy evaporates immediately and it never becomes a struggle again, but it definitely makes it easier.

Have you ever become zealous instead of jealous? How did it help your feelings of envy dissipate?