Jealousy is a problem that I wish didn’t exist in the ministry but it does, and as long as there are people there will be jealousy and envy.
Jealousy, is often called the green-eyed monster, it is the attitude within the heart that considers another a rival and hindrance to one’s own advancement or acceptance. When the monster of jealousy rears its head in the ministry arena, it causes hurt, a lack of team camaraderie, and breeds deep mistrust between fellow ministers. This monster is sly, often subtle, and many times unseen by others until the damage has already been done. Jealousy’s twin sister is pride.
Jealousy is listed in Galatians 5:20 as part of the sinful nature, and it is contrary to a life lived in the Spirit. The apostle Paul in Romans 13:12-14 encourages us to, “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Jealousy destroyed the relationship between King Saul and David. As Saul heard other praise and applaud David’s Accomplishments, he felt inferior and lashed out to destroy David.
When people feel inferior, they become vulnerable to jealousy and envy entering into their lives. You can’t let it destroy you, you must Resist it.
I’ve seen minister so jealousy of young ministers coming up that they view them as rivals. Ministers will many times have an evangelist in and when the congregation begins to praise them they begin to feel inferior and allow Satan to weave that garment of inferiority around them. Don’t put down other preachers when you are talking with people. In the same sense when you hear others doing this be sensitive.
I want to give a word on instruction for young ministers that are ministering; when you go somewhere to minister Always, Always let the congregation know how much you appreciate the pastor and love them. Take a special moment in every service to bring out an admirable quality or characteristic of the local shepherd. Show them respect and support.