Envy’s Distorted Gospel

Envy is a quiet but dangerous force that can undermine both our personal relationships and our ministry efforts. It’s more than just feeling jealous about someone else's success or possessions; envy goes deeper, challenging the very core of our gospel witness.

The Sin Beneath the Surface

Many of us, consciously or unconsciously, live in comparison with others. Whether it's a fellow coworker, a sibling, or even a peer in ministry, we see the blessings others receive and begin to wrestle with feelings of discontent. As Tilly Dillehay explains, envy is rooted in a fundamental discontent over the glories given to someone else by God. We often fail to see these glories as temporary and reflective of God’s ultimate glory, which leads us down a path of resentment and bitterness.

In ministry, this sin can have far-reaching effects. We may find ourselves shrinking from opportunities that involve people whose lives seem more "put together" or more materially blessed than our own. This becomes a barrier to loving them well and offering the gospel fully. As James warns, coveting what we do not have leads to quarrels and divisions, even within the church (James 4:2-3).

How Envy Corrupts Ministry

Envy often thrives among peers, especially in ministry contexts where comparison is frequent. Two friends may be serving in different mission fields or ministries, and one might feel overshadowed by the other’s success. Envy not only disrupts relationships but also hampers our effectiveness in sharing the gospel. If we allow envy to fester, it can make us selective in who we share God’s truth with, favoring those who are "beneath" us and avoiding those who seem superior.

We are called to love both the rich and the poor, yet envy narrows our capacity for ministry. If we can only love those with less, but not those with more, our gospel becomes limited. As Dillehay points out, how can we truly tell others about Christ when we are too busy envying their homes or lives?

The Antidote to Envy

The only cure for envy is found in looking to Christ. When we fix our eyes on Him and recognize that all glory belongs to God, we release the grip that envy has on our hearts. We must remember that God’s kingdom operates not on scarcity but on abundance. The same God who blesses others has more than enough love, grace, and blessings for us all.

If envy is influencing how we minister, it’s time to confront it and realign our hearts with the gospel's truth. There is no room for envy in a heart fully captivated by Christ’s glory.

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