Envy is irrational and covetous discontent as the result of another’s perceived superior qualities, advantages, achievements and successes. Arthur Chapman wrote, “Envy is like a fly that passes all the body’s sounder parts, and dwells upon the sores.”

The potential for worship leading envy is high since we don’t have to look very far to find another leader who is younger, plays guitar better, gets more recognition, has an edgier band, has a larger choir, gets called to a bigger church, sings with more passion, has a healthier relationship with his / her pastor, writes better songs or has a better platform presence.

It is tempting and often easier to look to the left or right to see how you measure up. Envy is like running on a treadmill … your feet have the tendency to follow your eyes causing you to veer off course. We must instead fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith and the one who called us where we are presently serving.

Focusing on Jesus instead of coveting the accomplishments of others allows us to lead with an attitude of contentment, not comparison. Contentment is faithfully leading the ministry God has given you. Envy is coveting the ministry you wish He had given you.

If God trusts you with the position to which He has called you, then envying the position of another actually marginalizes that calling.

Being envious of the worship leading gifts of someone else indicates that you are not satisfied with the worship leading gifts God has given you. Harold Coffin wrote, “Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own.”

Contentment, on the other hand, understands that the success of another’s worship ministry can never minimize the success of your calling and ministry, no matter where they or you are serving. If God called you to your present ministry, then He obviously sees the value in that calling even when you don’t.