God’s View on Competition: Part III

Early in my ministry, I became jealous of another ministry leader. While his ministry was growing and flourishing, I became critical of his work due to my envy.

Eventually, I realized that God wanted my best, without being concerned about other people’s successes. I apologized to this leader and chose to focus on my stewardship, not others.

Competition can become unhealthy and lead to disastrous conclusions. For example, Cain became jealous of his brother, Abel, rather than admitting his own failings. The envy did not just sour their relationship but resulted in Abel’s murder.

1 John 3:12 says, “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.”

Cain’s envy gave him over to the evil one, not even his inadequate offerings brought as much contempt from the Lord as his retaliation. Because of his choices, Cain’s punishment was banishment and Cain’s parents lost two children that day.

Pause today and ask yourself if you are harboring envy against someone. It is important to take hold and remove those feelings, as your envy may become incredibly damaging.

Questions For Reflection

• What is envy? What is the difference between envy and jealousy? What is the difference between God’s jealousy of us and damaging jealousy?
• Who are you envious of? Why? What makes what you have inadequate? How might you extinguish envy within yourself?