But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 
Acts 17:5 

Let’s stop and think about this verse for a moment. Jealousy hasn’t really gone anywhere – it just looks different now. In today’s world, we see the same dynamic play out as it did in Thessalonica. Now we see it in our workplaces where someone gets promoted and instead of celebrating, others gossip and criticize. We see it on social media where a person shares their success, and it triggers resentment from the keyboard warriors. We feel it in our friendships where we may quietly compete, feel left out, or pull away when someone else is doing well. Even in our churches and ministries, when someone or a group grows in influence, others may feel threatened and respond with criticism or disapproval. In today’s world, jealousy can lead to cancel culture, slander, passive-aggressiveness, or a critical spirit. We don’t want to lose our influence, so instead of encouraging each other, we tear each other down out of insecurity.  

This hits close to home, we’ve seen and felt how easy it is to get a little jealous when someone else is making an impact or getting noticed – especially when we are trying hard too. But jealousy never leads to anything good. It turns hearts bitter, and bitterness causes division. From the jealous Jews in Thessalonica to today’s world, when we let comparison and envy guide us, we stop cooperating with what God is doing. Instead of acting like those jealous Jews, we are called to celebrate others’ successes, trust God with our own purpose, and stay focused on faithfulness, not fame.  

This week, let’s ask God to help us check our hearts when jealousy starts to creep in and ask for a humble spirit that stays focused on what He has called us to do.