How Does Holiness Act? Part 3: Dissension and Jealousy

How Does Holiness Act? Part 3: Dissension and Jealousy
1 Peter 1.13-16
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Romans 13.13-14
13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Hebrews 10.24
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

We have thus far studied our own actions in regards to holiness, but now we must turn to something a bit different: holiness in regards to our relationships with others. Specifically, this involves two crucial properties which we must avoid: dissension and jealousy. Paul says in Romans 13 that we must not behave "in dissension and jealousy." What does this mean, though, and what role does it play in holiness? Dissension is defined as "strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord' (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dissension). Jealousy is defined as " resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself." These are obviously two behaviors which we must avoid if we wish to remain holy, but why?

Let's first turn to dissension. We see that dissension involves a "strong disagreement" or "a contention or quarrel." Dissension involves "discord." What is the common link for all of these terms? They tear apart rather than build up. Beloved, this is a crucial point we must burn into our brains--quarrels tear us apart, not build us up. Many, many Christians practice dissension. It is a widespread facet of our culture. Dissension is everywhere, especially on television and movies. It is also especially prevelent in the upcoming generation. Often humanity in general is obsessed with arguments and drama. We look forward to confrontation during our day because it occupies our minds and makes us look better than someone else. We thrive on tearing others down to make ourselves feel better or to carry out our anger. Such things should not be! Hebrews 10.24 tells us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." You see, beloved, Christ has quite an opposite view on how we should treat one another. He wishes us to compliment one another, encourage one another, and build one another up in Christ. Yes, there will be times of disagreement, but disagreements should be direct and Christ-focused. We must not constantly criticise and chip and chop away at another for our own amusement. Let us not devour one another! Let us not gossip and backbite one another for the sake of entertainment! The love of Christ should always be our primary mindset with others. So when we go to work or school or home, let us not speak to others of constant criticism and negativity towards our brothers or sisters. Let us instead demonstrate love, for that is what holiness would act. Whether it's a customer, coworker, spouse, child, sibling, friend, or any other relationship, let us have our hearts filled with a spirit of love, for this is of God.

The second thing Paul tells us to avoid is jealousy. Jealousy can sure ruin holiness. When we are jealous of another's accomplishments, current position/authority, or possessions, the love of Christ is quickly replaced with hatred. I realize that is a harsh word, but it is quite fitting. Jealousy can sometimes stir us to hatred of another. Remember Cain's jealousy? It caused the death of his brother and the curse of Cain and his family as a consequence. So you see, jealousy does not merely affect us. Instead of jealousy, we should love one another. What does that look like? A state of holiness would mean that we rejoice when another receives that new job over us, or they get that new house while we are still living in our old one. It does not covet; it does not seek to outdo. Holiness always considers how one can react with a Christ-centered spirit of love and compassion.

What, then, shall we do? We will build one another up instead of tearing each other down! We love and rejoice when our brother or sister succeeds. We are not jealous, nor are we ill-tempered. We will allow the attitude of Christ to fill our hearts, "[considering] how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Are you doing that today? If you are guilty of any type of dissension or jealousy, ask Christ to forgive you today. Begin to consider all your thoughts, actions, and words to see if they are of God. Will they build someone up? Would you say it to them if they were there? Let us live today in holiness. Amen!

With love in Christ,



Austin Aldrich