Recognizing The Defilement of A Jealous Spirit

This is a really deep revelation that God just gave me, and I'm not sure I can fully convey the depth of its meaning, but I'm going to try. It’s that important to the body of Christ.

I’ve written articles on spiritual cannibalism. What I mean by that phrase is the trading back and forth of criticisms, accusation, insults and other negative speech that is not edifying to anyone. This is actually another revelation that pertains to that subject. It also has to do a lot with what nature we allow to be formed in us. The body of Christ (not just the unsaved!) has a big problem with jealousy, and it brings a great deal of division. It is the very opposite of love and unity. We must learn to see it as the dragon it is. It comes to devour. God is at work exposing the deeper issues of people’s hearts, and allowing their true nature and the fruit of their belief system to be seen for what it is; not just what people may profess to believe. He does things to quietly remove the masks that people wear in order to expose who and what they are aligned with. He uses many, many situations to separate the vile from what is pure. (Jer. 15:19). He separates what is defiled and carries a curse, from what is chosen by God to reproduce in health and blessing. He separates the flocks, sifting out those with a stubborn, goat-like nature from the sheep.(Matt. 25:32). He shines a light on false teaching and cleanses with truth. All these things bring a separation from the things God chooses not to use, and that which has been tried by fire and purified for greater purposes. We are in that time now, and because the time for Jesus’ return grows closer, the deception of the enemy will be even greater if he can pull it off. We absolutely MUST discern the difference between the truth and those seeds the enemy wishes to plant in our heart in order to produce defilement. (Matt. 13:25). Let me point you to one example that you may feel is inconsequential, yet has profound deeper truth woven into it.

Take the Son of God movie, for example. There has been a great deal of negative communication through articles and such recently, and the conflict has been centered around the Biblical correctness of the Son of God movie that just came out. I am not directing this article so much around the movie itself as the responses that have been generated regarding the movie. A very critical spirit, laced with judgment has arisen to speak out against Christians and those involved with the movie production. (Notice the spiritual cannibalism at work!) Even innocent Christians have come under fire simply for defending their viewpoint to see the movie without feeling persecuted by those who may not agree with the content or message of the movie. Religious spirits look to place guilt or condemnation, manipulation of scripture and man-made yokes of legalism on others that Jesus himself did not do. Those things actually hinder others from coming to Christ because it puts stumbling blocks in front of them. This is something Jesus accused the Pharisees of doing!

If you can look beyond the arguments and theological debates, it is not difficult to see that the enemy is very, very afraid of losing control, but it is manifesting in fearful responses that need not be. The body of Christ seems to be so afraid that those that already know Christ will fall into a ditch and be led astray that they are not being led by love or faith in the work of Holy Spirit. If we truly belong to Christ, then indwelling in us is an anointing that teaches us the truth. (1 John 2:27). Why then do we not trust that He is able to do his job? The truth is, people are allowing a religious spirit to speak into their ear and tempt them to a fear response. Satan is afraid of the movie being used as a tool for evangelism. He is afraid that souls will be won to Christ as a result of people talking about Jesus Christ in everyday conversation. The Son of God has once again trumped the enemy. But Satan, the accuser, is fighting back. The enemy is jealous and full of fear, and whenever someone is jealous and full of fear, they will criticize, accused and reject the very thing that has gained the attention of others. Jealousy is intolerant and hostile towards those that are perceived as threats.

We see it all the time when God beings to move through one person and those with a jealous or competitive spirit begin to accuse, find fault and criticize those He is using. A spirit of error will twist understanding and use scripture incorrectly to try to justify personal opinions, judgments or man’s interpretation of the Word, when that was not the intent of scripture at all. The underlying spirit is one that will defile and take people into captivity rather than set them free. In promoting the wrong spirits, people crucify the Son of God all over again without even realizing they are doing so. You may ask how they are crucifying the Son of God. Because He lives inside human vessels and works through them. Jesus said as we do to the least of His children, so do we do it unto Him. (Matt. 25:40). (2 Cor. 2: 20) says: I am afraid that when I get there I will find you different from what I would like you to be and you will find me different from what you would like me to be. I am afraid that I will find quarreling and jealousy, hot tempers and selfishness, insults and gossip, pride and disorder. James 3:16 also reminds us that envy and jealousy bring in every evil thing along with it. Confusion, disorder, backbiting, murder...every evil thing!

I am getting to a point. Stay with me if you will!

This Pharisaical spirit can’t help but feel fearful of losing control. The Pharisees were not only full of fear, they were also angry. They were fearful that those that had been under religious control would find freedom in Jesus Christ. They were fearful the man- made traditions, rules and conditions for acceptance would be nullified through Jesus Christ and people would be free to place their loyalties with another King. They didn’t want people to place their affections on someone else. To do so meant losing control and loyalty. You see, there is religion, which is the counterfeit, and then there is what's genuine, and that is through relationship with Jesus Christ. Sometimes the lines are so blurred people can't tell when their is something wrong in their beliefs. That is where the work of the Holy Spirit comes in. Have you invited Him in lately, to show you truth? Friends, I’m drawing your attention to a much deeper rooted issue, and that is the issue of jealousy. I want you to understand there are two very different aspects to jealousy. One is a righteous, godly aspect and the other is purely demonic. If a person isn’t very careful and discerning, it can take what you think is a pure, righteous desire to protect others and twist it around so that the person is deceived just like the Pharisees. There is a godly jealousy that is generated by a spirit of love and purity. God himself has said He is a jealous God. But what comes from God never involves tearing others down. Speaking cruelly or critically about others is equated with a spirit of murder because it wants to harm the reputation of others. God's word has said that a spirit of murder does not reside in those that have eternal life. (1 John 3:15). Those that love their brethren abide in the light whereas those that hate are full of darkness and don't know where it leads them. (1 John 2:10,11). It is so subtle yet equally capable of defiling the vessel that does not resist the temptation to be critical. Jealousy will set a person on edge. It will trigger anger responses. It is critical, easily offended and somehow thinks that speaking badly about others will make them look or feel better, or perhaps be able to protect what they hold dear. Dear one, that is control. It is a form of witchcraft. Keep yourself from that. That is the spirit of accusation at work. No one ever feels better about speaking critically about others. They only feel guilty, and a guilty conscience will make people self deceived, defensive and argumentative. Humility is what allows people to see Jesus in us and know the truth.

Maybe you’re saying, “I don’t care if I see the Son of God movie or not.” Well, it’s not about the movie. That was just an illustration. Let’s see how all this works in our own daily lives.

Now for a bit of personal confession, so you can see where I’m going with this. There has been someone that for years I struggled to forgive. Finally, I was able to forgive all the painful things of the past. I thought I was completely free. Then recently, something occurred that brought reconciliation between other people we love and care about, and the person who the enemy had used to inflict a great deal of pain. I found that I struggled with those emotions, and a twinge of jealousy surprised me when I recognized it was there. Where did that come from?

I comforted myself by telling myself that I didn’t want the people I loved to fall for this person’s old tricks again. I comforted myself by justifying why others should not trust that person, knowing that who the person was on the outside was not at all who they really were under the surface. I didn’t want others to get hurt again. I never acted on those impulses, but the thoughts were there. The enemy wanted to introduce a temptation to speak the wrong things about someone else. I found myself feeling irritated that they were being so careless with their spiritual health. Didn’t they remember the things God had already shown them about this person? I felt a bit angry and concerned that the deceiver would once again draw them in and they would fall for his bait, hook, line and sinker. What I didn’t realize is that the deceiver was actually baiting me! Oh, the enemy’s suggestions can sound so plausible if we are not careful to recognize them for what they are! It was the spirit of jealousy working with fear to produce a Pharisaical spirit. You see, I understand that religious spirit of witchcraft very well, because God delivered me from it. But the enemy would love to pull me right back into it again without me realizing he had done so. That's what he does with each of us.  I might not have drawn the connection except the Lord gave me a dream about it. In the dream I realized I felt annoyed that the Lord would not allow me to speak against the person I felt tempted to be offended with. And just like that, I had to work with the Lord all over again with self-deliverance, renouncing a spirit of fear, jealousy, anger and criticism so that the enemy could not defile the vessel God intended to use to set people free.

Maybe there is someone or some situation the enemy is using to tempt you, too. The temptations of the enemy are ever so subtle. We must stay alert and exercise discernment if we are to remain free! The enemy knows just how to trigger a response in order to lure a person into defiled thinking. We must not come into agreement with the accuser! The mirror we gaze into is never that of our own soulish desires, for if we look into our own hearts we will see that indeed there is wickedness there that can deceive us. No, we look into the mirror of God’s word, and reflect on what He has said, and then, not only to consider what is written but to obey His counsel and instruction. This is what it means to not just ‘hear the word,’ but to do His word.  (James 1:23). When we allow the word of God to change us, we begin to reflect more and more of Christ’s image within us. This is how others see Jesus.

Friend, no one ever makes themselves look better by speaking badly about others. No one makes themself appear righteous or justified by doing it at the expense of someone else’s’ reputation. We have no righteousness of our own. It only comes from the blood of Christ imputing His righteousness to us. Don’t let the enemy tempt you to enter into accusation and partake of his nature. Recognize the spirit of jealousy trying to slither in and whisper in your ear. It will trip you up! Rise up and take authority over it! While we may have a genuine desire to protect others, we must trust the Holy Spirit to show others truth. We must trust the One that delivered our soul to deliver theirs. Don’t overstep your boundaries! If you really trust God, you won’t have to feel fearful that others ‘can’t see’ what you think you see, or even what you know to be true. None of us are God, and none of us are called to judge the souls of others. Yet, we can be discerning, and true discernment comes by asking Holy Spirit to show us truth, as well as being willing to allow Him to change our judgments. We are called to be gentle and loving towards others and leave the judgment part to God. Let God be God in their lives and don’t try to get in the middle of something you shouldn’t. Sometimes those that are taken captive by the deceptive wiles of others are ‘in training’ and it’s something they must go through without us. At other times, we need to allow God to work in and through others in ways we might not personally feel at ease with. Those ‘ill at ease’ feelings are spirits of fear and pride trying to hide from you. Take authority over them and renounce it!

I told you this was a deep and profound revelation! I hope it has helped you today. Let’s pray.

Father God,

I thank You that you reveal truth in the secret places of our heart. The kingdom of God and Your dwelling place, O Lord, is within us. It is not outside of us! Help us to tap into that secret place every day to touch You, to hear from You, to be completely transparent with You so that You can set us free in deeper and deeper ways. I renounce and resist the spirits of pride, fear, jealousy, anger, offense, a desire for vengeance, accusation, slander and murder. I want nothing to do with them. I submit to your Holy Spirit and ask that You would create in me a clean heart that pleases You. Let my heart not be troubled by these things, and instead focus on what is pure, right and good in your eyes. I submit to Your authority and command the enemy to leave me now in Jesus name. I thank you, Jesus, that I am free in Christ, and I thank You for washing away all defilement that comes from the root of bitterness and a spirit of jealousy. Fill me with Your perfect love that casts out all fear. In Jesus name, amen.

END NOTE: Without going into a great deal more detail, Numbers 5:19 declares a curse that comes out of bitterness and a jealous spirit. Give thought to the divisiveness that is caused as a result of envy, jealousy and bitterness, and all the bad fruit that comes from that root. It defiles. All these things are also associated with broken trust, broken covenants and spiritual adultery. The curse produces barrenness and miscarriage. Whether you are an individual dealing with barrenness or miscarriage, or whether it concerns a church or ministry, if the curse is in effect, there will be bad fruit, barrenness, miscarriage, and other things that indicate God has withheld His blessing, inhibiting growth and productivity. The root issues must be dealt with if life and restoration of blessing is to return and allow fruitfulness to prosper.

Cannibalism in the Church

Cannibalism in the church. Really? It sounds odd, doesn't it? Yet, the Lord has given my husband and I several dreams on this subject recently so I know it's on His mind. And He has a lot to say about it.

God uses some pretty graphic dream language to convey spiritual significance. A cannibalistic church is unhealthy. Galatians 5:15 in the NIV says, "But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another." Other versions of this scripture warn, 'beware lest you are consumed by one another.' Gossip. Slander. Evil speaking. Suspicion. Backbiting. Blaming and complaining. This is the spiritual reality of modern day cannibalism. The warning to every person is that these ungodly habits and behaviors release destroying spirits. They also release a curse into the lives of those that partake of the table of demons. Spirits of death and hell become attached to those that allow these habits and behaviors to take hold of their tongue.

God wants to heal families, but He wants to heal church families, too. 

Not only does it effect individuals, it affects churches, too. A church that has this going on is full of dead men's bones. It is full of spiritual immaturity, death and decay. The ungodly habits of evil speaking are like vampire spirits that suck the life out of the church and it's leaders.  These things cause offense, division and discord, competition, jealousy, and brings in every evil thing, according to James 3:16,17. A church in this state will never prosper. Evil speaking will cause the death of churches and ministries. It literally has the effect of undermining unity, love and leadership to the point of spiritual decapitation. It resists and rebels against the authority of God. It is sin to complain against leaders and the body to the point of wearing people down and causing them to break. In Numbers 20:10-13, we read the account of Moses being disciplined by the Lord for his failure to uphold holiness to the people. The long and the short of it is, the people complained and blamed the leadership God had given them - so much so, their leader broke under the strain of it. Moses, in his anger, sinned. He sinned against the Lord because he was worn out and upset with the constant pressures of an unruly and insubordinate group of people. He snapped. Wouldn't you? Listen, I know how I dislike hearing my own kids complain and get an attitude, so I can't even imagine how Moses felt dealing with a million or more people! We all slip at times and lose our cool. Sometimes poor decisions come out of the stress and strain of what people feel at the moment. Aren't you glad God is so merciful? Still, God held them all accountable anyway. Moses was banned from the promise land and many of the people were bitten by poisonous snakes and died in the wilderness. A whole generation of people were so filled with unbelief that they refused to obey God and take the promise land. Disobedience is costly. Here we learn of the dangers of evil speaking once again. It produces bitterness of soul, unbelief and eventually, rebellion to the Lord. Those are guilty of this type of wrongdoing are taking into captivity and under the dominion of the enemy until they repent. God has a standard according to His word. Repentance MUST and always WILL precede restoration, healing and revival!

Your family and your church can be healed and restored.

The only way to correct and heal what has become defiled is through personal and corporate repentance. Pray for God to bring separation between those that are spiritually dead and unable to receive spiritual truth, for those influences are like leaven that will permeate the entire congregation. It is hard to tell sometimes who those individuals are. I'm not asking you to judge others. Only God is fit to judge. The right thing response is to pray. God can move those scoffers, mockers and evil speakers out of the way. Pray for God to separate those that truly want to grow and be healed from those that are planted by the enemy in order to hinder the plans and purposes of God. Pray the scoffers, the gossips, the mockers and those with unprofitable conversation would either have a change of heart and genuinely repent, or God remove them as He sees fit. These things must be confronted. "Cast out the scoffers and contention will cease." Proverbs 22:10.

The NIV says, "Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended."

NASB says, "Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out. Even strife and dishonor will cease."

The Aramaic Bible in plain English says this: "Destroy the evil one and cast out the contentious; abolish judgment and shame, lest he sit in the assembly and shame all of you." Wow. now that says it all.

A church that gossips, complains, and generally participates in destructive speech brings shame and dishonor upon themselves, and reproaches the name of the Lord. People often don't stop to consider the seriousness of these things, but it's not a laughing matter. God takes the subject of honoring His name, His children and His servants seriously. Never forget that the Holy Spirit lives inside of others! Speaking against other people is not wisdom, no matter what you may feel about them. Take heed to yourself and don't let your mouth sin and get you into trouble! God has said in 1 Sam. 2:30 that those that honor Him, He will honor; but those that despise Him will be disdained.

Disdained - Unworthy of one's consideration. Synonyms: scorn, deride, regard with contempt, sneer at, sniff at, look down one's nose at, despise.

Is that how you would want God to treat you? Hardly. I would be more that a bit frightened if I brought on that kind of response from the Lord. I would be on my knees repenting and really meaning every word of it. Only a fool refuses to get right with God! But you see, people do this sort of thing all the time and fail to understand that scorning the things of God is more serious than they may stop to think about.

I do not give this word to be harsh or hard towards anyone. Rather, this is a very clear word to those that may feel convicted by what is written here so that they can return to the Lord with an honest evaluation of their heart that leads them to repentance. The fear of the Lord must return to His church and to every believer! Not fearful of drawing close to the Lord, but 'fear' in the sense of showing honor and reverence towards Him and having a right heart towards others. I pray that you do not warrant judgment or correction from the Lord because that can be a quite painful experience. If this article has spoken to your heart, simply pray and ask the Lord to forgive you. His promise in 1 John 1:9 is to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness! He is so merciful and kind, even when we do not deserve it!

God wants more than anything to restore our losses and help us break free from those things that allow the enemy into our lives. He wants to help us break free from demonic entanglements and leave us open and vulnerable to the destroyer.

An individual that's been healed will bring healing to a family. A healed family can bring healing to their church, community and beyond. 

Father God,

I ask your forgiveness for anything I have said or done to participate in gossip, slander, backbiting, evil speaking, blaming, complaining or rebelling. Forgive me for speaking against You when I did not realize I had done so. Holy Spirit, forgive me for grieving You and speaking against the Spirit of God inside other believers. Please forgive my sin and let the blood of Jesus cleanse me from all unrighteousness. In Jesus name, amen.