Works of the Flesh Part 6: Emulations (Jealousy & Envy)
Emulations means jealousy and envy. We don’t hear words like “emulations” much nowadays. Unfortunately, it’s an inescapable part of all our social interactions. Today we’ll take a close look at this 6th element listed in “works of the flesh”. Perhaps, understanding it better will help you recognize and avoid it.
According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary (Strong’s), the original Greek word that is here translated as “emulations” is “zēlos,” meaning “heat, i.e. (figurative) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figurative of God], or an enemy, malice) :- emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.” There are many ways to put zeal to good use. A righteous person can be zealous in their faith as Christians. But fleshly zeal, here called “emulations” manifests as jealousy, envy and indignation. According to Collins English Dictionary (2003), jealousy has several meanings, the differences between the meanings are subtle:
1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or position.
2. a. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious: jealous of the success of others. b. Inclined to suspect rivalry.
3. Having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness: jealous thoughts.
4. Vigilant in guarding something: We are jealous of our good name.
5. Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic: a jealous God.
When expressed by the flesh, jealousy is an emotion that arises from “feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness.” These feelings arise from insecurity. Insecurity is a type of fear. Our Heavenly Father does not want us to live in fear. Emulations also involves envy. Envy is a feeling of being discontented with what another person has. It is covetousness. Envy and jealousy spring from the poisoned soil of ignorance: Of not knowing what we are and failing to see and appreciate the value of the blessings the Lord has gifted us. To give in to envy and jealousy means you doubt Who God is. It means you aren’t grateful for His blessings. Jealousy, then, is a type of ingratitude.
The Seven Deadly Sins (ca. 1620) – Envy
Understanding that emulations refers to jealousy and envy, we see the root cause is dissatisfaction with who we are and with what we have. The cure and prevention for emulations is “to walk in the spirit.” In order to walk in the spirit we must first hear and heed (do) what the bible says about how we should feel about who we are and what we have with respect to others:
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house…nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
When we know that we a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood,” listen to the word of God, are careful to not covet “any thing that is [our] neighbor’s,” and when we are content with whatever state we are in, then we will won’t have time for jealousy or envy. Let us pray and meditate on these verses that we might not fall into the fleshly pit of emulations.
References
Jealousy. (2003). Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged . Harper Collins Publishers. Retrieved April 2, 2012, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/jealous
Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary. Bible Explorer. Wordsearch.com
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Related Reading:
- Works of the Flesh Part IV: About Hatred (e-graphx.com)
- Works of the Flesh Part 3 (e-graphx.com)
- Works of the Flesh: Part II (e-graphx.com)
- Works of the Flesh: Part 1 (e-graphx.com)
- Emotional Congestion: How to Let Faith Triumph Over Feelings (e-graphx.com)
- Works of the Flesh Part V: Strife (e-graphx.com)
The video “Desperate” by Lecrae (Reach Records), was uploaded on Youtube.com by kwilson0874 on May 19, 2010. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
