1 Corinthians 3:3

for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?

     The spirit of jealousy can often times find a home in our hearts. It is easy for us to get jealous of the possessions that oterh people have. We desire what they have, really to the point of us getting bitter towards them that they have it and we do not. We find reasons to criticize them so we can say that they do not really deserve such a gift. But even more than possessions, we can often times be jealous of the prestige or popularity of those around us. At that point, criticism often runs rampant.

     The problem with jealousy is twofold. The first problem is that it shows a lack of contentment on our part. God has blessed us with certain things in certain areas. It may come in the form of physical blessings. It may be through natural abilities. And he may give us the qualities that might make us popular or prestigous. At the same time, he may not. Or he may give us some and not any of the others. As Christians we need to learn to be at peace with what God has blessed us with. Jealousy shows a lack of thankfulness on our parts.

      The second problem with jealousy is that it is unloving. When God blesses other people, we should be happy for them. We should rejoice with those who rejoice. Jealousy sits in the corner and glares at the one rejoicing. It is not happy for that person. Instead all it can focus on is itself. Why did I not receive that blessing? Am I not more worthy than they are? By looking at ourselves so, and often times degrading the other person, we miss the entire point of loving our neighbor. This means there is no room for jealousy in our life, for after all, our love of man reflects our love towards God. 

for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?