Elder Nunnelly shared with us how to recognize and how to combat the spirit of jealousy in our Spiritual battle.
She let us know that there are three things that we must do:
Assume the position,
Stay in position, and
Remain humble and submit in your position
We assume the position by surrendering our will and taking up God's will.
We stay in position by not allowing anything or anyone to move us or to sway us and by recognizing that the enemy is not each other, but is the Devil. It is a waste of time and energy to look at your bother or sister and wonder what his or her motives are. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
Elder Nunnelly shared with us the story of Cain and Abel. God honored Abel's sacrifice and did not honor Cain's. Instead of Cain looking at himself and his own behavior he turned his emotions outward and became enraged and jealous of his brother. The fact is that Cain could have experienced the same honor from God as Abel. The task was to provide the first and the best to the Lord. Cain did not provide his best or his first. He had a problem, but it had nothing to do with Abel. Unfortunately, just like Cain many of us turn on our bothers and our sisters trying to make up for a feeling of rejection or inadequacy. God has no respect of persons. He will bless those that are obedient to His commandments. Our enemy is not each other.
We remain humble and submissive in our position when we listen to and act in accordance with the will of God. When we act in the will of God we are always in order. When we act in the will of God we are open to hear His Word, open to His move, and open to reproof and correction. Submitting to God becomes our desire and as a result then we produce the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love.
Elder Nunnelly shared with us that love is the way to combat jealousy. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love is patient and is kind and it is not puffed up. Love just is and doesn't have to jockey for position or attention. Love understands that when all else fails it will remain. Love keeps us in position while God works His perfect work in our lives as well as in the lives of those around us. How do you know when you have over come the spirit of jealousy? You will know when it becomes easy to love. There is no spite, no feeling of tolerating someone, no feeling that someone is getting on your nerves or is bothering you. As a matter of fact you become happy for others when you see them prosper. You celebrate their triumphs and comfort them in their losses. The world is supposed to know the church because of the love that we have for each other.
Are you recognizable?
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