The Duplicity of Jealous People

August 21st, 2011

Written by Anita Carman

Dear Faithful One,
Do jealous people scare you? Do you find them saying one thing to your face while hiding a secret hate for you and your success?

Matthew 2:7-8 reads, “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” Notice the word “secretly”. When someone meets secretly that should be a red flag. Sometimes there is a legitimate godly reason for a secret meeting. But always ask yourself, “What is the purpose for the secrecy?”

Notice also how Herod portrayed himself. He lied and said he planned on going to “worship him”. Don’t be surprised if those who are jealous of you will compliment you or make positive statements. It is their way to hide what they are really feeling.

Thank God the magi did not return to King Herod to tell him where Jesus was. Matthew 2:12 tells us, “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” The good news is, God protects the one called to serve His purpose. So expect jealousy but trust God to protect His servant and His mission.

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita