certain areas. Firstly, I have witnessed instances where God has restored someone's life by pulling them from the bottom and placing them at the top. Secondly, I have observed that once these individuals reach the top, they oppress and make life difficult for those beneath them. Lastly, I am always amazed at how jealousy and entitlement can become the driving forces behind the friends of the person elevated by God.
When the Elevated Become Oppressors
It can be difficult to understand how a fellow Christian fails to appreciate God's work in the lives of others. It's even more perplexing when a Christian, blessed and elevated by God, becomes an oppressor, particularly toward others.
How Jealousy and Entitlement Show Their True Colors
It's disheartening to see how jealousy can change someone who was once humble and level-headed. I have observed this transformation, and seeing a side of a person you never knew existed is surprising. I've also noticed how entitlement can make someone covertly demanding, easily offended, and a skilled manipulator when seeking help from those who have achieved success. It's interesting how they were content with the friendship when you were both in a disadvantaged position, but their true colors emerged once you were elevated ahead of them.
The Words That Change When You're Blessed
As long as you were both singing the same old sad, complaining song together, it was perfectly normal for these same people to say things like, "God will soon turn it around for you," "God is going to bless you one day for your faithfulness," or "God will reward you one day for all the hell you've been through." Now that God has done that, these same people you figured would rejoice with you have become the chief force and contrary wind against you.
Discovering that some of your friends react negatively to your achievements is challenging. They enjoy hearing bad news about you and aren't interested in anything positive about you. Now that you've been blessed, those who used to say, "I'm praying for you," may secretly hope for your failure or say something like, "You think you're better than us." Such behavior and comments are unpleasant, and it's clear that God has not promoted these people for this very reason. It's a relief to know that God sees the true content of our hearts and judges based on that rather than outward appearances.
I write this article to speak to those who identify as Christians but struggle with feelings of jealousy and entitlement. These emotions can hinder your ability to celebrate the blessings God bestows on others. This would explain why you're stuck in a cycle, repeating the same patterns year after year without making any progress. Unfortunately, this has led to continued failure to achieve your goals and missed opportunities. It's essential to examine your heart and intentions, and clear out the negative actions and thoughts toward those who have been successful. If you don't, this may hold you back even further. Remember that God has assigned everyone their own time and season for elevation. Comparing yourself to others will only hinder your growth. If you continue on this path without working on your heart, you may see others who started later than you surpass you in success.
Promotion Belongs to God
It is abundantly evident that whoever God has promoted has clearly met His qualifications for promotion. The spiritual law of advancement declares:
"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south: but God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:6-7)
Who are we to oppose the promotion of others by God? Speaking against it is going against the order of God.
Jealousy Is a Spirit, Not Just a Feeling
It seems that you are being consumed by the spirit of jealousy, which is a severe heart condition. Spiritual law warns that jealousy is as cruel as the grave:
"For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave." (Song of Solomon 8:6)
It is also important to note that the Bible identifies jealousy as a spirit, not merely an emotion:
"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife." (Numbers 5:14)
Those who are possessed by it have the potential to become cruel toward others, particularly those who are advancing ahead of them.
Breaking Free from the Puppet Masters
My word of wisdom to you is simply this: divorce yourself from the Puppet Masters of Jealousy and Entitlement. You can begin this through serious self-introspection. Ask yourself why you feel jealous of others, and why you feel entitled to the benefits of their success. Carefully review your life and notice how these two emotions have been consistent with everyone else getting ahead except you. It has made you bitter, angry, and frustrated. Nevertheless, you've unknowingly committed to maintaining the same behavior while foolishly expecting a different result. I highly recommend prayer and fasting to end the unwanted services of jealousy and entitlement.
Kevin L A Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
www.kevinlaewing.com
