The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent
each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he
would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and
said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your
competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned
and then said, “Strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the
worst kind!
The self-destructive emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing
apart the Corinthian church. These believers had received the gospel but had
not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became
jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their
jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Cor. 3:3). These believers
were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our
lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead
of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and
blessings of others.
The remedy for jealousy is thankfulness to God. (RBC)
