Envy: Overcoming a

Common Pitfall in
Christian Leadership
What is Envy?
• Envy is a feeling of discontent or resentful longing
aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or
luck.
• In Christian leadership, envy can arise when leaders
compare themselves to others and feel inadequate or
resentful of their success or blessings.
The Dangers of Envy in Leadership
• Division and Strife
Envy can lead to division and strife within a team or organization, as leaders
compete with one another instead of working together towards a common
goal.
• Lack of Trust
Envy can also erode trust between leaders and their followers, as envy can
lead to a lack of transparency and honesty.
• Ineffective Leadership
Envy can ultimately lead to ineffective leadership, as leaders become more
focused on their own interests rather than the interests of their team or
organization.
Biblical Examples of Envy
• Cain and Abel: Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God led him
to commit the first murder in human history.
• Joseph and his Brothers: Joseph's brothers' envy of his
favored position with their father led them to sell him into
slavery.
• Saul and David: Saul's envy of David's popularity and
success as a warrior and leader led him to try to kill David
multiple times.
Overcoming Envy
• Focus on Gratitude • Practice Humility • Seek Accountability
• Envy often stems • Recognize that • Envy can be a
from a lack of everyone has strengths difficult emotion to
and weaknesses, and overcome on our
gratitude for what we
that we all have
have. By intentionally something to learn from own. Seek out trusted
focusing on the each other. Cultivate a friends or mentors
blessings in our lives, spirit of humility by who can provide
we can shift our acknowledging your accountability and
perspective and own limitations and support as you work
cultivate contentment. valuing the to overcome envy in
contributions of others. your leadership.
Leading with Humility
• Humility is the key to overcoming envy in Christian leadership. It
involves recognizing that our talents and abilities come from God and
that we are called to serve others rather than seeking personal gain or
recognition. Leaders who lead with humility are able to put the needs
of their followers first and create a culture of trust and respect.
• Humility also involves being open to feedback and willing to learn
from others. Leaders who are humble are able to admit their mistakes
and seek forgiveness when necessary. They are also able to recognize
the strengths and talents of others and empower them to use their
gifts for the benefit of the organization.
Pity and Pray for Oppressive Leaders
—Because of the wrong actions of those in positions of trust, do not
let envious feelings fill your heart. They are to be judged according to
the deeds done in the body. You only need to pity and pray for them.
The Lord knows every dishonest transaction, and will award them
according as their work shall be. The Lord rewards every unselfish
action. Pray with heart and soul and voice, “O God, impress more
deeply upon my mind and heart the principles of thy holy law, which
is the transcript of thy character. Let me by faith grasp the exceeding
great and precious promises, that I may not in my duty and work fail
or be discouraged, but perfect holiness in thy fear.”—Letter 178,
1899, p. 9 (November 6, 1899).
Envy Offspring of Pride
Though Saul was ever on the alert for an opportunity to
destroy David, he stood in fear of him, since it was evident
that the Lord was with him. David’s blameless character
aroused the wrath of the king; he deemed that the very life
and presence of David cast a reproach upon him, since by
contrast it presented his own character to disadvantage. It was
envy that made Saul miserable and put the humble subject of
his throne in jeopardy. What untold mischief has this evil trait
of character worked in our world!
The same enmity existed in the heart of Saul that stirred the
heart of Cain against his brother Abel, because Abel’s works
were righteous, and God honored him, and his own works
were evil, and the Lord could not bless him. Envy is the
offspring of pride, and if it is entertained in the heart, it will
lead to hatred, and eventually to revenge and murder. Satan
displayed his own character in exciting the fury of Saul against
him who had never done him harm.—Patriarchs and Prophets,
651.