One of the greatest threats to a thriving and fruitful ministry is jealousy and pride. These sins do not merely affect individuals; they weaken the church, causing division, strife, and spiritual stagnation.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Pr 16:18)
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Pr 14:30)
Yet, God’s design for the church is one of harmony, mutual service, and growth.
Throughout Scripture, we see how jealousy and pride have caused destruction in ministries and leadership. However, we also see how humility, cooperation, humble learning, and mutual encouragement allow the church to flourish.
… Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Pr 9:8-9)
In this post, we will explore key biblical principles that teach us to avoid pride and jealousy in ministry and how to build a unified, Christ-centred church.
The Root of the Problem
Ministry is not a competition (1 Co 3:1-9). Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for their divisions. Some claimed allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos, and others to Cephas. Paul’s response was clear:
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Cor. 3:7)
Ministry is not about personal success; it is about God’s work through His servants. When we start comparing ourselves and seeking status, we forget that we are all fellow workers in God’s field.
The Church is one body, many parts (1 Co 12:12-26). Each part has a function, and no one should say, “I don’t need you.”
“If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?” (1 Cor. 12:17)
Some are called to preach, others to serve, and others to lead quietly, but all are essential. Pride and jealousy arise when we fail to appreciate our own calling and resent the roles of others.
However, even when more than one person within the same local body is called to the same ministry or has the same gift, we must realise that ministry is never a solo effort.
When Eldad and Medad began prophesying, Joshua wanted Moses to stop them. But Moses replied:
“Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” (Num. 11:29)
Biblical Warnings Against Pride and Jealousy
Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16:1-35)
Korah and his followers were jealous of Moses and Aaron, questioning why they should have leadership. Their rebellion led to their destruction as the earth swallowed them (Num 16:32).
Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6-9)
After David’s victory over Goliath, people praised him more than Saul. Instead of rejoicing, Saul grew envious and sought to kill David. His jealousy consumed him and led to his downfall.
Diotrephes, Who Loved to Be First (3 John 9-10)
John warns about Diotrephes, a leader who sought prominence and refused to welcome others. His pride isolated him and harmed the church.
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”
The Call to Humility and Unity in Ministry
Paul teaches:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Phil 2:3)
Jesus humbled Himself to serve, and we are called to do the same.
When John’s disciples worried that Jesus was gaining more followers, John responded:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
A mature minister celebrates when others grow in ministry, knowing that God’s work is bigger than any one person.
Some even preached Christ out of envy and rivalry. Paul’s response?
“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.” (Phil. 1:18)
Paul cared about the gospel being preached, not personal recognition.
How to Overcome Jealousy and Pride in Ministry
- Recognise Your Calling (Romans 12:3-8): Identify your gifts and serve faithfully in your role.
- Celebrate Others’ Success (1 Thessalonians 5:11): Instead of envy, encourage those whom God is using.
- Serve with a Pure Heart (1 Peter 5:1-6): Shepherd God’s people willingly and humbly, not for personal gain.
- Avoid Unhealthy Comparisons (2 Corinthians 10:12): Don’t measure your ministry by others, but by God’s standard.
- Trust God’s Timing (Galatians 6:9): If you serve faithfully, God will exalt you in His time.
A Church Thrives in Harmony
A church full of jealousy and pride is like a body fighting against itself. But a church that functions in humility and unity is a powerful witness to the world. Let us reject the temptation to compare ourselves with others. Instead, let us work together, celebrate each other’s gifts, and glorify God as one body.
As Paul reminds us:
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Cor. 10:17)
When Christ is our focus, our ministries will become testimonies of love, unity, and humility in His name.
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