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
I agree Lance….would like to add that I was taught that envy comes from a deep inner belief that God has more for someone else than for yourself, that He favours one above another. As we journey and surrender to Him He has such amazing and good things for us all according to who He is and who He has called us to be and who He kniws us to be. There is no need for sibling rivalry at all….a mans(or woman”s) gift makes room for itself…and when we come to tge place where we are so happy He made us who we are and just want Jesus in everything tgen its so just so good. Going to throw a slight spanner in the works. I believe there is such a thing as legitimate jealousy. God is a jealous God….for what is His and I LOVE tge fact that He is. He wants my heart so much and all that I am because He is my Daddy Nd my maker and I His legitimately. Likewise if somone else or something else came between my husband and I or gained his affections more than towards me other than The Lord of course then tgere would be a right jealousy in my heart. I would have to take that to the Lord so tgat I wouldn’t get cruel or wrong in it but my place would have been usurped and tgat is not right……
Love these e-mails – they are like little nuggets of gold. I especially like- Comparison is the death of authenticity. Love it. Thanks Lance and God bless you for all that you do. I was in one of your meetings a long time ago in Detroit with Kim Clement. Awesome.
Wow! Yes!
So, translated for myself:
1) Stop being put down by people who are envious and therefore attacking. Instead take it as a compliment!
2) Stop putting yourself down for not having achieved what you see someone else achieving.
3) Recognize envy, put it down. Instead, thank God and bless those who inspire you to greater effort in your calling! (Because we are one Body and it takes all the saints to comprehend the Treasure. )
At the age of 63 I am comfortable in what I am yet Always looking for the more that God says that I am in Him. I love the radical ways of our younger people and they inspire me to be bolder. Things that I always thought I should be doing are becoming easier to step into.
Thank you. That is a great article, and great insight!
This teaching is so rich that we can taste the sweetness of it for our entire life. The protection from distractions and false words and so many other key issues of staying in Gods will is so wrapped up in this that I hope you dig deeper and expound on this word. Comparison being the killer of authenticity is a pearl to its own! Our ministry is 13th of Grace and it is founded on Hebres 13:5. Our identity is our salt and light.
Blessings
Mark
Awesome blog..much to glean from..thank you
This is so right on and so common in ministry. Jealousy in excess can release a murdering spirit so it is crucial for the body of Christ to allow the Holy Spirit it create a clean heart in them. That is the only way to fulfill you true purpose in life.
I am never Envious of anyone else, because, I can do all things, because of Jesus Christ. I am happy about
the accomplishments of others, and have helped a lot to succeed. No that’s not my mission in life. My mind is on my own ministry and trying to accomplish that for Christ. Envy is a detraction from the devil.
My focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ and to please “HIM.”
hat a word from the Lord! Its so true and I plan on using this my current season of blessings! This really gave me peace about many things that I am experiencing God bless you!