The Right to be Jealous?
"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" Exodus 34:14
God is spoken of repeatedly in the Scriptures as being extremely jealous of His people's affections and loyalties. This is usually mentioned in verses dealing with idolatry: "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God..." Deuteronomy 5:9
On a human level, jealousy is defined as being fearful or wary of being supplanted (replaced), or apprehensive of losing affection or position. God, who is holy and pure, with no evil motive or unjust thought or intent, is jealous for His creature's love and affections both by right - because He owns all things - and for our own good, for misery and destruction come from placing our greatest affections on people or things (Galatians 5:24)
God is rightly jealous of the love and devotion of His people, for He has created all things: "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him" Colossians 1:16
We, on the other hand, do not really own anything in this life: "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24:1
"And if ye have not been faithful in that which is anothers, who shall give you that which is your own? Luke 16:12
Elijah the Prophet spoke of being jealous, but only for the LORD's interests, in a time of great spiritual decline:
"And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 1 Kings 19:10
This "Godly jealousy" is spoken of by the Apostle Paul: "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:2
We should avoid acting on the possessive, emotional temptation of jealousy in our lives, and instead concentrate on being jealous for "His righteousness." By His power, we can prevail: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13
Don't Die Guilty!
James 2:10 Acts 3:19 John 1:12