THE GREEN EYED MONSTER

We are a beautiful Nation with an awesome culture. We even have a good reputation, owing to our peaceful and friendly nature.

However, there is a monster out there that threatens to destroy our people. It dwells deep inside the souls of many a fellow citizen. It is called JEALOUSY.

It starts off with something simple. For instance, your neighbour attains something you do not have or cannot afford. The minute there is any prospect of that particular person being better than you, achieving more than you, on any level whatsoever, your heart begins to fill with envy. Envy fast becomes jealousy, and ultimately turns into cold hatred.

We do not want to see our fellow brothers and sisters progress in life or prosper. On the other hand, we have become so affixed in our comfort zones and have settled for a mediocre life. An average job and salary. An average house and lifestyle. We are lacking in ambition and creativity. We have no dreams or drive, so we settle!

However, there are some people out there who reach for their dreams. They go out there and they make things happen. They refuse to conform to any standard that is less than the best. They work hard. They keep trying even after failing a couple of times. They lose sleep and face opposition often times, but they keep going. They keep working on themselves and their lives. These are the people who start new businesses. These are the people who realize the importance of a good education and go back to school. These are the people who lend a helping hand in developing their communities. Their hard work begins to pay off. Their wealth increases. They got promoted to higher positions in the workplace. Their homes improve. Basically, they progress. Which is what life is all about, GROWING!

Our fellow people establish Businesses, which by the way, boost our very own economy and create employment opportunities for our citizens, and yet we stop at nothing in trying to pull them down. Why so much envy? Why all the jealousy? Can you imagine how much progress and development we can achieve if only we could learn to celebrate and motivate one another?

We watch with envy and begin to question why they seem to have all the luck. We smile in their faces but the minute they turn their backs, we speak foul of them. We draw our daggers, and await the slightest opportunity to plunge it into their unsuspecting backs.

Even the Bible warns against a jealous heart in James 3:14-16. We need to pray to God to deliver us envy and jealousy.

It is time to stop hating. Stop gossiping. Stop concocting lies. Stop plotting. Stop the jealousy! Let us stand together, encourage, support, and help each other grow!

Remember, jealously does not only make you nasty, it also stands in the way of your own happiness and blocks your very own blessings!

Till next week, much love and God Bless!!