Editor’s note: This post originally appeared on davidwilber.me. Tabernacle of David considers this ministry trustworthy and Biblically sound.
Author: David Wilber
In chapters 30 and 31 of Genesis, we read about how, despite Laban’s attempts to cheat him, God blessed Jacob and gave him great success. Jacob’s success led to Laban’s attitude toward Jacob turning to jealousy and resentment:
Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has gained all this wealth.” And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. (Genesis 31:1-2)
People generally love success, recognition, and praise—just so long as it’s directed toward them! But how often do we, like Laban, get jealous over someone else’s success? Maybe someone else gets that promotion or recognition at our job, and we get bitter because we want that glory for ourselves. Sometimes, like Laban, we might even resort to trying to undermine others in an attempt to build up ourselves.
Believe it or not, this can even occur in ministry. Some will get upset and jealous that God uses others to minister in areas they want to minister in. Sometimes people will get jealous of the influence and success that other ministries have because they think it ought to be them in that position of influence. (That’s when you know that “ministry” has become about you instead of building God’s kingdom, which renders the work you are doing useless. God shares His glory with nobody.)
The Bible instructs us not to get jealous over others’ success but to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). It also says that if one member of the body of Messiah is honored, all are to rejoice together (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Why are we instructed to be happy for others in their success? Because ultimately it’s God who blesses, prospers, and gives success:
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19, emphasis added)
Therefore, rejoicing with others in their success is rejoicing in the Lord for giving it to them. On other hand, resentment toward others for their success is resentment toward God for giving it to them. That is not a good place to be.
Life is much happier when we rejoice with those who rejoice. Even if we’re personally not the ones being recognized, it’s much better than being miserable and bitter.
This article was adapted from a video teaching I wrote for 119 Ministries called “Parashah Points: Vayetze – Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice”
About David Wilber
David is first and foremost a passionate follower of Yeshua the Messiah. He is also a writer, speaker, and teacher.
David’s heart is to minister to God’s people by helping them rediscover the validity and blessing of God’s Torah and help prepare them to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope within them (1 Peter 3:15)…
