Watch your mind—and your tongue.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Since many of us struggle with self-image, it's no surprise we often feel pangs of envy when we meet someone thinner, smarter, prettier, or richer. Occasionally those pangs turn into full-blown resentments based in petty jealousies.
In some ways, jealousy seems like a victimless crime. When the Bible warns against jealousy, it usually reminds that jealousy is a sin because it affects your relationship with God. But jealousy damages much more than that. When you let jealousy into your head and heart, it's bound to leak out through your mouth.
This passage in James couldn't be clearer about the damage you do when you let envy lead to lies, gossip, and bitter words. It compares hateful words to a forest fire that consumes and destroys everything it touches (3:5, 6). It's pretty obvious that jealousy—depicted with such a powerful image—affects more lives than just your own.
As you struggle to rein in your feelings of envy, remember to watch not only what's filling up your heart, but what's flowing out of your mouth as well. (See also 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 73:1-20; Jonah 4.)
Good Words to Remember:
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:2
Today's Challenge:
What things are you filling your heart and mind with?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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