We have all been there. Those moments when we are perfectly secure until we compare ourselves to someone else. This happens to me most often in regards to my appearance. I decide on an outfit for the day. I look in the mirror and feel confident, sometimes even beautiful. I leave the house and don’t give it a second thought until it happens. Someone crosses my path that has amazing clothes, perfect hair and beauty. For a split second I want what she has. I think to myself…if only I could afford to go on a shopping spree and buy me something new.

Can you relate? For you it may not be apparel that sets you off. It could be a newer model car you long for, a bigger house than the one you currently live in, or a higher paying job. Regardless of what tugs at you, unhappiness and resentment can quickly take root. And if we choose to remain there, focused on whatever caught our attention, Satan will use that root to feed our hearts with anger and bitterness. That anger and bitterness then leads to jealousy and once jealousy creeps into our hearts, Satan has won the battle he was fighting so hard to win.

But don’t lose hope! God is way bigger than Satan and has the power to heal any heart issue. All we have to do is let Him in. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. When we go to God, ask for help, and spend time in his word, becoming rooted in Him, he will begin a work in us that will produce good fruit.

Galatians 5:19-26 says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

As long as we live in the Spirit, letting Him control our thoughts and our actions, we will live a holy life. But as soon as we rely on our own strength, we foolishly give the enemy direct access to our hearts.

I have to remind myself everyday that the enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy everything that represents Christ living in me. That knowledge gives me the ability to recognize when my mind is leading me down a dark and dangerous path and to stop and turn away from the evil one and towards the One who gives life, Jesus Christ.