ENTRENCHED JEALOUSY

by Glenice Mills

One of the biggest downfalls as women is our entrenched jealousy. Sadly I have observed women older in years harden their hearts against fellow women who appear to be getting ahead. The tragedy of this is it is against God and His precious daughters. So how does this happen?

As young children we are raised in competitive environments where we try and find our place among our friends. Already some children show leadership qualities and because they stand out, they are the obvious and subtle objects of competitive jealousy. Child leaders alike are jealous of one another, as are their followers. This on flows into teenage years where the jealousy is more blatant. There is a competitive push to belong to the ‘it’ crowd and when you are cast out jealousies root takes deeper ground. By the time we reach adulthood and particularly parenthood this stronghold has entrenched itself in and through our lives. Women are often seen at their worst as parents. It becomes all about the children – who are brightest, sporty, musical, best looking and myriad other ways we judge. Jealousy that already has a hold is now becoming more bitter and resentful. This develops into a deep hatred that flows over the children. This continues the iniquity of jealousy down through the generations. So by the time women reach older years jealousy is like a rotting crusty hard shell.

Jealousy that is already ugly is uglier in an older woman. I am particularly centred on women because it is what the Lord is highlighting to me at this time.

We have a problem because we should show a higher way, a Godly example for those who are watching us. Women, we are our own worst enemy. Jealousy with its roots of judgment, comparisons, resentment, bitterness and resulting hatred causes divisions, competitiveness, backbiting and betrayal.

It is interesting that as I have waited on the Lord and He has been speaking to me that He would use the word ‘entrenched’. The dictionary meaning of entrench is to establish firmly in position, and surround as fortification. In other words jealousy takes a position in our soul area and we then fortify it as a protective mechanism. Anything that is fortified appears to stop attack however it is a false strength that needs to come down so we can let others in. At its core are insecurity and a fear of missing out.

Why am I writing this at this time? The Lord has been alerting me to entrenched jealousy because it is actually bringing bondage on both the perpetrator and the victim of the jealousy. It is a cause of strife among women in the body of Christ and does nothing to build up or encourage one another. If we are to be examples to the younger we need to be careful of our words and actions.

I am particularly alerted at this time with the mature in years because it is and will have the potential to actually hold us, and keep us in the old. We will resist the new move of God, and worse still become a stumbling block to the young ones who are being raised in this hour.

Romans 14:12,13

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

To resolve is to make up one’s mind, to decide firmly with a firm mental decision or intention. This is a choice – to purposefully hold one’s back or choose to want the best for them.

The truth is God is raising a new generation of young ones whose growth is exponential compared with many of us who have battled for decades. We dare not begrudge the younger from a place of entrenched jealousy because this is displeasing to God. This word is not meant to be critical but we have to be very careful we don’t put bondage on the younger ones because they ‘appear’ to have it easier than we had. They will have different battles to face and the Lord has uniquely forged some things in their lives that will be required for their walk in the coming times.

However there is good news! We don’t have to bow to jealousy. We can also choose to stop it continuing down through the generations. Repentance is the key. Acknowledging our behaviours, attitudes, and the words we speak, stop jealousy becoming entrenched in our lives. We need to examine the insecurities and the ground where this became a stronghold.

Older women are to train up the younger. We are charged with this responsibility and our Godly behavior and example are powerful influencers.

God is requiring a higher standard from us more mature ones. Let’s come in unity, encouragement and most importantly love. Love conquers all!