Justifying Jealousy

Roger and I were recently at a big party in which all the booze and fine spirits were a flowing all free of charge.  It was at a beautiful venue in Vancouver, everyone dolled up and corporate players working the room packed with people.  We knew before entering this party that we would be the few that had a relationship with God, but we also know we are called to love on all of these people to simply glorify God as we represent Him.  We were sitting at the bar enjoying each other and others around as we talked and laughed, even danced.  :)  Then as there was a man by himself at the side of the bar drinking scotch.  We began to converse with him and realized he was a big investor to this company. 

As we got talking he asked Roger part way through if he could dance with me?  This was interesting to me, as I didn't really know what was going to happen here?  This wealthy guy that contributes heavily to this company's profits but my heart for my husband and interestingly enough these two guys were asking for me right in front of me?!  My husband looked at him and paused for a moment and then said "No".

Then he asked again a bit more forcefully, "Only 2 minutes".  I then didn't want to put anyone in an awkward position and was ready to say, "Babe it's OK...  I'll do it."  I didn't want to cause commotion or even to feel threatened corporately, it didn't seem worth it to me to just dance for 2 min??  And yet in my heart I didn't want to. 

I then thought of Sarah and Abraham and how he lied lied that she was his sister to avoid dying.  I also thought of the movie Indecent Proposal and for the sake of money how the husband had given up his wife for one night.  I cringed a bit more at the thought, but stared neutrally at the wall simply wondering what would be determined right here.  My husband more firmly said, "No, she's mine."  And then with frustration the man had a bit of attitude.  BUT... I was so pleasantly protected by my husband.  I felt so loved in that moment.  How no matter what, he wouldn't be tempted even as Abraham was, to let me go even for a moment risking his own reputation.  ( I love you baby.)

My heart is for my husband so fully and unconditionally.  Truly.  I long for no other man.  To be honest I turn away from things that may draw my attention.  I want a PURE love.  An unbelievable marriage that grows deeper and more intimate every day of our lives together!!  Is it easy... no.  Not at all.  But when we press in and hold through these tests and resist temptation we are drawn even deeper into the well of pure love that each possesses for one another.  It inspires us both to pursue this level of purity and love for one another.

I thought of God and how He is SO jealous for us.  Truly.  He too says "NO".  "Don't participate in crappy tempting lies that do nothing but lead you to destruction and rob you of the best that I have for you."

But we must join in and chose to allow His protection, and trust that His love is greater than anything else.  As we are drawn to this and resist the worldly crap around us, (that yes at the time looks great... it wouldn't be tempting if it didn't) we then deepen our relationship with God.  It's so powerful.  Then we start to call on Him to rescue us and to help us when we are in these situations and He does.  We call on Him to protect us when we are unjustly treated and He moves powerfully on our behalf.  IN HIS TIME... which is perfect.  Not on our agenda.  We need to remember that and trust that He indeed has a jealous love for us that protects us and longs to do so. 

See the temptation looks like this to me, Satan, disguised as a handsome man, flirting with me, toying with my mind and looking deep in my eyes, even touching me gently on the arm, and then my God cutting in to say, "NO, she's mine." And in that moment I hear His loving voice that I know so well and I turn from the handsome one to embrace the most handsome of all and in a moment that temptation is gone until yet another time.  But for now I am fulfilled by looking deeply in the eyes and face of my Beloved God.  With eyes that aren't lusting in a brief moment, but deeply compassionate for eternity.  That's my lover, that's my God.  That's who I belong to.  First my Lord, then my Baby... Roger.  My sweet God fearing, protective taste of God, you Roger.  I love you Babe.  May I too always give you the best of all I have that you would know I am yours and you are mine.

Song of Songs 7:8 "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me."
Exodus 34:14 "Carrie, don't worship any other gods or idols.  For I am the LORD.  My name is Jealous.  I am a jealous God for my children."  ... love God.

Give yourself fully to your God.  See what He might do.  How He may spill over you to invade your marriage in one that is jealous in a godly way for each other.

For Marriage, HIS WAY.... it's awesome!

C