Jealousy

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." -James 3:16

Jealousy, according to the dictionary, has to do with love and affection, but in the real world where I live jealousy deals with much more....it affects work relationships, friendships, children and parents....it's not just about love and romance.  Jealousy deals with envy, affection, selfishness and pride.  It's possessive and petty in both relationships and possessions.

What fascinated me about this verse in James is what happens when jealousy has its way....we find ourselves in "disorder and every evil thing."  Jealousy and selfish ambition undermine love, peace and order.  It destroys instead of builds up.  When this "green monster" infects a relationship, a community or an organization it destroys the very thing the jealous person was trying to hold onto.  It's like rust....eventually there is nothing left!

I'm thinking....as I write this...that when I see "disorder and every evil thing" going on my first question must be, "Ok, who's battling jealousy?"  Isn't it amazing what a selfish little sin like this can do?