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Maintaining a Proper Perspective
Competitive jealousy is a dangerous thing. Perhaps you recalled the way you felt when you saw some rich or attractive person on television. Of course, there is nothing wrong with wealth or good looks, as long as things are in perspective.

Just make sure that whatever you do, you do it because you got it from the Word of God. You don't want to do anything simply because you are comparing yourself with someone else.

Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). You can follow a man, but when you follow that person to the point where you neglect to allow those beautiful characteristics that God has put in your life to come forth, things are out of perspective.

You must keep a balance and not try to duplicate the special qualities that God has given others at the expense of ignoring the unique qualities God has given you.

If you ignore the special attributes God gave you, you are robbing the Body of Christ. They cannot get the benefit of the remarkable things you have to offer because you are trying to be like someone else. God wants you to be the very best you can be for Him.

Eight Steps to Freedom
Perhaps you've recognized some of the symptoms of competitive jealousy in your life. If so, you'll want to get them out of your life right away. The good news is that you can. These eight steps will break the grip of competitive jealousy on your life and heart. You can be free from the subtle spirit of competitive jealousy.

One: Take Stock of Your Motives, Honestly.
Take a personal inventory of the motivations behind the things you do. Are your motivations right or wrong? As you look inward, do you sense some involvement of competitive jealousy? Take stock of your motives and your life; do it honestly. You are going to have to be totally honest with yourself and God in order to be delivered of the awful shadow.

Don't walk around denying that it's not there. Don't try to convince yourself that it doesn't apply to you when you are the very one who needs to hear it most. The first step to freedom is to honestly take stock of your motives.

Two: Repent!
After you have examined yourself, repent in the areas in your life where you have found the influence of competitive jealousy. Repent means to change your mind, and change your direction. In this case, it's a change of heart concerning comparing yourself to others. Repent and forgive others who have competed jealously against you.

First, you must repent of competitive jealousy in your life; then, if you know anyone who has been involved in competitive jealousy with you, forgive them as well, because it has been putting pressure on both parties.

Three: Exercise Authority Over This Evil Spirit
Exercise your authority over the spirit of competitive jealousy in the name of Jesus. You have authority in His name not to have your life controlled by this vile spirit. Exercise your authority.

Yes, you can help it. You have been given authority in the name of Jesus to help it.

Four: Exercise the Spirit of Understanding
Learn to exercise the spirit of understanding in every situation. Begin to see things from God's perspective. When you begin to see things from God's vantage point, you're no longer seeing it from the world's view.

Five: Guard Your Heart
Guard your heart by setting a watch over what you see and what you hear. That's where it starts. What you see and what you hear become your influence. Watch over your eyes and ears. Stop comparing yourself or your ministry with others, and be content to do what God has called you to do.

Stop comparing your hairdo, your clothes, your car, and your house with what others have. Be content with what God has given you and what he has called you to do. Watch what you hear and see. Guard your heart.

Six: Focus on Being a Servant
Major on being a servant and let God exalt you in due time. Hold on to the promises of God through faith and patience. The Bible calls exalting yourself pride, and pride guarantees one thing: a shameful fall. It is inevitable. It may not happen this month or the next, but it will come.

Seven: Be Glad When A Brother or Sister is Exalted
Instead of saying, "You think you're too good to hang around with me now that you've got a new car," rejoice when a brother is blessed. Don't compare what you have with what they've received. "Rejoice with those who rejoice..." (Rom. 12:15).

Don't get caught up in asking, "Why them and not me?" Be glad. What you should understand is that you have no business comparing yourself with them when it was God who blessed them. Your due season will come if you keep on keeping on where God has called you.

The fact is, you may not be ready yet. Continue to be faithful and content where God has placed you and operate in that. When others are blessed or get a promotion, rejoice with them. Be glad for them. Shout the victory; do a dance!

Eight: Build Confidence in God's Love for You
Build up your confidence in the knowledge that God loves you by spending time with Him in praise and worship and reading the Word. Listen to His voice and obey. Build up your faith in God's love for you by getting to know Him. Spend time in prayer and reading scripture.

There it is. These eight simple steps can take you from the bitter bondage of living under the influence of the spirit of competitive jealousy to joyous freedom in Jesus Christ.

If you've discovered signs of this spirit's presence in your life, make a quality decision to be free. Don't let this subtle spirit remain unchallenged in your life another day. Just get your eyes on the Lord and let His love change you.

Source: Exposing the Spirit of Competitive Jealousy by Creflo A. Dollar, Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by World Changers Ministries

Author Biography

Creflo A. Dollar
Web site: World Changers Church International
 
Creflo Dollar is a founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI). He's a world-renowned Bible teacher, sought-after conference speaker, and bestselling author with hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs in distribution worldwide. Recognized for his cutting-edge revelation and humorous, pragmatic approach, he enables thousands to experience grace, restoration, healing, and financial breakthrough by applying simple, biblical principles to their lives. He is the author of such game-changing books as "The Radical Life of Grace" and "Why I Hate Religion", and his award-winning Changing Your World television broadcast reaches nearly 1 billion homes. His ministry includes an app available on mobile devices and smart TV's, a dedicated YouTube channel, and the Changing Your World Network, a 24-hour online channel. A thriving social media presence has allowed him to connect with World Changers worldwide.
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