WE SERVE A JEALOUS GOD

First, we must understand how the word 'jealousy' is used in reference to mankind's sinful nature ...  

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

This form of jealousy is defined as 'being envious of someone who possesses something we do not have' ... (property, ability or skill, physical beauty, etc.). 

In contrast, God is jealous when you give to another that which rightly belongs to Him. The second of the Ten Commandments states ... 

You shall not make for yourself a graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God. Exodus 20:4-5

His jealousy comes in three distinct forms: 

1. God is jealous when it comes to His 'honor and glory'. 
There is no one like our Lord. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent; the Creator who deserves to be worshipped. He expects us to honor and glorify Him with our obedience, love, and devotion; He is rightfully jealous when we don't.

2. God is jealous in reference to His 'holiness'. 
He is undefiled by sin so when He encounters that which contradicts His holiness, His wrath is kindled. The Lord is jealous that 'right and good' alone be pursued instead of that which is tainted by sin. 

3. God's jealousy is also linked to His 'love'.
Marriage is patterned after the relationship that exists between God and His people under the Old Covenant ... and between Christ and His church under the New Covenant. Just as a husband is properly jealous for the love of his wife, so the Lord is jealous for the love of His people.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind ... Luke 10:27

Christians must turn away from all that provokes God's jealousy. It is disingenuous to say that we love Him and then live contrary to His exigency. The 'grace' that delivered us from the penalty of sin does not give us license to live carelessly or in rebellion to His will. 

The Lord's deep love and commitment should fuel our desire to please Him in everything. Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy.