Subdue the Green-Eyed Monster

Jealousy is difficult to own because it's perceived as a weakness. To recognize jealousy as a weakness is to own feelings of insecurity. In the play Othello, Shakespeare labeled jealousy as a green-eyed monster. Othello killed his wife because he wrongly believed she was unfaithful. Does that sound familiar?

Jealousy is like a green-eyed monster because it distorts a person’s imagination or relationship. A man sees a stranger talking to his wife at a party. If he feels insecure, jealousy surges forth. He can only imagine what they're talking about, and it’s here where distortion becomes allied with jealousy, giving credibility to the green-eyed monster.

St. Paul teaches in Romans 13:14 to fight jealousy by clothing yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. This means surrendering all you are and all you have to Christ Jesus, including the object of your jealousy. Then take on his virtues of love, trust, truth and humility. Only this will subdue the green-eyed monster known as jealousy. 

Dealing Constructively with Reality - Part 3

A personal concept of reality is based largely on our spiritual beliefs, our political positions, and our beliefs of the right ways to function in society. Our concept of reality can be distorted when reality becomes what we want it to be. Our perception of truth can be based on facts and data that are less than accurate.

In recent months there has been a rash of killings by radicalized people who believed they were doing what was right and good. What happened to distort their concept of reality and truth? A middle school English teacher asked her students to write an essay on any topic of their choice. The majority wrote in graphic detail of the violence they believed comprised their world.

The role of parents has always been to teach and model for children healthy ways to deal effectively with reality. This includes making sure they have the ability to see and understand the truth of God's word and how it applies to their lives. God faithfully gives us insight and wisdom to help us manage reality.