Jealous Leaders

1 Sam. 18:5-8

Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

6 When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals.^[a] 7 This was their song:

“Saul has killed his thousands,
and David his ten thousands!”

8 This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” 9 So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

Have you ever seen a Jealous leader? I don’t think there is a bigger arena for jealous leaders than the church. As a pastor you don’t have to look very far to find someone who is pastoring a church that is bigger or smaller than yours. No matter how fast you have grown there is always another one that has grown faster. If you’re not careful you will take your eye off Jesus and keep it on someone else’s ministry. This is one of the dark sides to working in the church arena.

I know what you’re thinking…but Jeff, “I don’t focus on growth, I just focus on health and let God grow the church.” Thank you Sunday School Steve.

Here’s just a few thoughts about Jealous Leaders from the story of David and Saul.

1. It is possible for God’s chosen to deal with jealousy.
2. Jealousy is a bi-product of taking our eyes off of Jesus.
3. David and Saul were on the same team and yet Saul was Jealous. Just because our churches have different names and styles doesn’t mean were on different teams. Same team, different departments.
4. Jealousy will lead to fear.
5. Jealous leaders are nitpickers constantly tearing apart what someone else is doing.
6. Jealous leaders tend to surround themselves with those who make them look good.
7. We are more likely to be jealous toward those who are in close proximity or relation to us.
8. Jealous leaders will take cheap shots at successful leaders. Saul tried to kill David with his spear on several occasions.
9. Jealous leaders secretly enjoy seeing others fail.
10. Jealous leaders will be removed from leadership. It is just a matter of time.

Question: Do you have a ministry that you keep a “watchful eye” on? This doesn’t mean you are a jealous leader but it does mean that you need to be careful. It is easy for a “monitoring eye” to turn into a “jealous eye.” There is nothing wrong with tracking with other ministries. I have several churches that I am constantly tracking with. I’ll include a list at then end of this post. Tracking turns to jealousy when we begin to play the comparison game. Keep your eyes on Jesus and remember that we’re all on the same team.

How do you overcome Jealousy? Repent. Celebrate. Repeat. If you find yourself jealous of what another church or person is doing then you need to celebrate with them. Send them an email or card. Find some way to support what God is doing and before you know it you will experience joy instead of jealousy.

Churches I track with:

• Newspring Church, Anderson, SC
• Cleveland Community Church, Clayton, NC
• Mosaic, LA
  
• Fellowship Church, Grapevine, TX
• Northpoint Church, Alpharetta, GA
• Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC
• Next Level Church, Ft. Myers, FL
• Port City Community Church, Wilmington, NC