Scoring an Own Goal

Jealousy and envy are just a step away from witchcraft. It is dangerous not just because it is channelled at another person's downfall; but because it inadvertently destroys the envious person as well.

Among believers, jealousy and envy often reveal a shallow understanding of God and how He works.

Take a look at Joseph's story in Genesis 37.

When God chose Joseph, He wasn't merely thinking about one young man with big dreams; He was working with a much bigger picture.

Israel (Jacob) was the heir of the promise God made to Abraham:

"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing."

— Genesis 12:2 NKJV

When God looked at Jacob, He didn't see an individual. He saw a nation; Israel. When He gave Joseph those dreams, He wasn't promoting one son above his brothers. He was setting in motion a plan to preserve an entire family and fulfil His covenant purposes; looking at a bigger picture in which all of Israel would be preserved and, in turn, become a blessing to all the nations of the world.

Joseph's dreams were never just about Joseph.

A famine was coming, and God had chosen him to prepare the way; to preserve God's people and bring them into a place of safety and provision.

However, Joseph's brothers didn't understand that. All they saw was a threat.

"How could this little spoiled brat think he will become greater than us all?"
"Did he really just dream that we, who are much older than he, would truly bow to him?"
"What audacity!"

So they decided; "Let's just kill him. Dead men don't fulfil dreams."

What they failed to realise was that if Joseph had died, their own future would have died with him. The very person they envied was the vessel God intended to use for their preservation.

They didn't know God deeply enough to recognise His hand at work. They didn't understand the covenant they were part of. In trying to stop Joseph's destiny, they were attempting to sabotage their own.

Now, Let's Bring This Home.

God sees the Church as the Bride of Christ; a body; and not a collection of rivals. We belong to one Kingdom, we serve the same Lord, and labour for the same Master.

• That means when one believer rises, the Body benefits.
• When one believer is winning, we are all winning.
• When one part is strengthened, the whole Body is blessed.

Another person's testimony is not your threat; it is evidence that God is at work among His people.

There is no room for unhealthy competition in the Kingdom.

Jealousy makes teammates behave like opponents. It celebrates another believer's failure as though it were a victory; not realising that in God's Kingdom, bringing down a brother or sister is like scoring against your own team.

You may cheer for the goal.

But it's still "an own goal".