A Jealous God and Faithless Hearts

“Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” (James 4:5-6)

Is God jealous of our emotional attachments to worldly things? Or are our human spirits naturally envious of each other’s worldly things? Bible scholars suggest this verse might mean either of those, and we know both are true.

Our God is a jealous God. He bought us with the price of the blood of Jesus, and He is not going to share us with the world. It is also obviously true that we are tempted when we see everyone else enjoying the pleasure, possessions, and status we all crave. We are tempted to cheat on God to get those things.

So what’s the answer? Grace and humility. God gives me what I cannot earn: forgiveness, mercy, patience, new chances to be faithful to Him. I respond by being more humble, admitting my plans for me are worthless. I need His plan, His power, and His hope, not my own.

Think: Do you ever think about God being jealous of your emotional attachments to worldly things? How could you show your trust in Him by being humble?

Pray: Thank God for His grace to give you what you could not have earned from Him on your own. Ask Him to help you to be humble in the way your live your life with Him.

Do: Read about Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2:5-11.