I was talking to some young ministers recently who have become popular on the national landscape. They shared that they sense jealousy and criticism from their peers in response to what they say. I’ve noticed something kind of interesting. When we are being critical in ministry, or pick on other people, it’s often not because of something they said —it’s because of envy.
There are a few key elements to envy:
- Envy is desiring something someone else has. In Mark 15:20, Pilot noted that it was for envy that the Jewish leaders brought Jesus forward for trial. This was very discerning of Pilot. You see, envy is an emotion you need to understand. If someone is doing something that you thought you could do but didn’t do, then you experience jealousy or envy. I’m never jealous of a prizefighter who knocks somebody out. I’m never jealous of a rock star who has a big following. You know why? I’m not a boxer and I’m not a singer. No matter the career field you are in, if you see someone attaining favor and results that you intuitively know you could have had also—but you didn’t take the steps to get there—that’s envy! It’s essential to learn to celebrate the victories of others if we are to proceed with the right heart and walk in a place of favor.
- Be on guard when envy creeps in. Start to watch where that comes from. The enemy wants to keep you focused on what you don’t have—on who you aren’t—instead of on who God made you to be and how far you've come.
- Don’t try to be someone else. Comparison is the death of authenticity. Be fully who you are. Recognize that God will never hold back anything from you that is in the field of possibility. Heaven plays no favorites. Your task is to fully develop your own capacity. When you are jealous or envious of others, it’s because someone else is attaining results of which you are also capable. Observe and figure out what steps they are taking that you haven’t yet.
Note: If YOU are the target of envy and jealousy, take it as the backhanded compliment that it is.
Question: Who are you critical of? Is jealousy the root of this criticism? Who are you comparing yourself with? Do you need to “let it go”? Can you bear to hear others celebrated in your presence? Release all unhealthy comparisons. Discover your unique task. Work your own field! Let the Lord speak to you about who you are and who you are meant to be. Comment below!
Want to learn how to walk this out? September 9-11 in Dallas we will be finding our place and working our field at Kingdom and Calling 7m Summit 2016. Find out more at 7mSummit.com.
As One!
Lance
Thank you
If you would have asked me before I read this, I would have told you infatically I am not jealous of anyone. No one! But, in fact I am, honestly at times, critical of others. Which is translated to be jealousy. And, now that I see it, I plan to take care of it!
Thank you.
The covenant engenders envy . So it is to be expected . I believe we just need to walk in love and we are sure of a hurt free zone no matter who is angry about our blessings
May I offer some information I received in an intensive Bible Study years ago that has GREATLY impacted my understanding of why God lists ALL three words (covetousness, jealousy, envy) in the Scriptures? 1) Covet = wanting what someone else has; 2) jealousy = NOT wanting someone else to have what you have; and, 3) ENVY = NOT wanting someone else to have what YOU don’t have…Wow, does that wake one up to why “envy” is so abominable to the Lord!! So when I see that the Pharisees “envied” the Lord, I see that they realized they didn’t have the respect & following of the people…and they sure didn’t want Jesus to have it either! The first two are a matter of perhaps failure to understand how good God is and His faithfulness to provide good things to ME…but that last one is a symptom of an unloving, wicked heart for OTHERS. Maybe this is of interest to you as well <3
Envy is a strange phenomena…… it can look so different from what it really is. I used to be the most positive person in my office and now I feel worn out with colleagues ignoring my input, passive aggressive remarks and behaviors towards me. Synicism and sarcasim are the rule of the office now more than I ever saw before, five years down the road. I have been attempting to strategize with Holy Spirit and bind spirits I’m aware of before work and pray in the opposite things I see. I have pulled way back and can’t even approach or talk to a couple of colleagues that remain rude and abusive. I understand the reaping and sowing principle, so I am constantly asking myself what part I play in creating this dynamic. There seems to be cliches that allign and pull others in, I have never been one to engage in this dynamic and don’t even know how. Was self employed for 30 years and now find myself in a big staff setting. Would love some input from you. I have been watching your utubes and drinking in your convergence material.
Kathleen,
Here is something I have practiced a long while now. When dealing with difficult people, ask God what are the spirits in operation in them. What He shows you can be turned into a strategic prayer for each of them, by crafting a prayer using scripture and declarations. I also ask in prayer for God to mount guard His peace over my mind and the minds of others… before I walk into the room where the difficult people/coworkers are. Declare the spirit of Shalom (peace) walks with you where ever you go in your workplace…and especially in your personal space, or cubical.
We are the light and peace in these dark enviorments.
Don’t lose hope, God has your back.
La
Lance and family, your messages have been exceedingly on target! Please never back down!
I’m a teacher and I am now, in the Holy Spirit, able to shape culture without acting in a way that repels others.
I’m 56 and only started teaching 5 years ago after hearing the 7M message and praying “God use me.”
Periscope and email messages keep me in the game and relevant.
Pray for me. I’m about to teach about government taking over and how they are the only ones gaining money, power and resources. I’m using the book The Sneeches as my base! Essential Question: Who or what organization is benefiting from pitting one American people group against another?
Next, somethings got to be said about our students who have been conditioned to comply and seemingly have no internal or external motivating factor.
Thanks for fanning the flame. Please pray I don’t step on any mines in this field!
carol85018
Envy and jealousy, such an ugly feeing. I counteract jealousy by consciously choosing to stop those negative thoughts (take all thoughts captive) and replace with thankfulness and ask God to multiply blessings to the person. I’m sure the devil hates that and that makes it easier because I never want to be in agreement with the acusser. ( how do you spell accuser?) It helps to remind myself that God has plans and purposes for my good as well. It’s a test of character. Thought provoking Lance. Thanks.
Lance …I must say! You are the man!!
Thank you Dr. Lance Wallnau. Thank you for your ministry.