September 9
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Is it ever good to be jealous? It may seem strange, but we are told that God is a jealous God. Twice in Exodus God tells Israel that he is a jealous God because they are to be a people for him alone. He is jealous whenever they give themselves to false gods or worship something other than him. If God is jealous, is there ever a positive aspect to us being jealous?
Normally jealousy is a bad thing. It can manifest itself in a covetous spirit and the desire to be like someone else. It manifests in a lack of contentment that eats away at our joy. Yet in 2 Corinthians 11, jealousy is used in a positive sense. Paul says he is jealous for the church in a way that reflects God’s jealousy for them. This type of jealousy is the recognition that only within a certain relationship (between us and God) is satisfaction and purpose found. God wants the church to be completely devoted to him. This jealousy manifests itself in guarding the church against deception and lies. Paul wants nothing to enter their relationship with God that should not be there. People cheat on their spouses sexually, but we cheat on God anytime we believe a lie and act in sin. We need to be singularly devoted to God and committed to him alone. This “godly jealous” should be evident in our own heart for God and our desire for others to know him as well, because he alone is worthy of our worship, devotion, and our lives.
Father God, help me to be committed to you alone. Amen.
Is your heart currently divided between a devotion to God and something else?
Is it ever good to be jealous? It may seem strange, but we are told that God is a jealous God. Twice in Exodus God tells Israel that he is a jealous God because they are to be a people for him alone. He is jealous whenever they give themselves to false gods or worship something other than him. If God is jealous, is there ever a positive aspect to us being jealous?
Normally jealousy is a bad thing. It can manifest itself in a covetous spirit and the desire to be like someone else. It manifests in a lack of contentment that eats away at our joy. Yet in 2 Corinthians 11, jealousy is used in a positive sense. Paul says he is jealous for the church in a way that reflects God’s jealousy for them. This type of jealousy is the recognition that only within a certain relationship (between us and God) is satisfaction and purpose found. God wants the church to be completely devoted to him. This jealousy manifests itself in guarding the church against deception and lies. Paul wants nothing to enter their relationship with God that should not be there. People cheat on their spouses sexually, but we cheat on God anytime we believe a lie and act in sin. We need to be singularly devoted to God and committed to him alone. This “godly jealous” should be evident in our own heart for God and our desire for others to know him as well, because he alone is worthy of our worship, devotion, and our lives.
Father God, help me to be committed to you alone. Amen.
Is your heart currently divided between a devotion to God and something else?
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