28/04/2026
NEVER BE JEALOUS OR CRITICAL OF THOSE WHO ARE AHEAD OF YOU
One of the silent dangers in ministry is not failure—it is comparison.
Over the years, I have observed with deep concern a pattern, especially among some pastors with smaller ministries: a tendency to criticize those whom God has lifted.
The moment someone’s church grows, influence expands, or impact increases, a narrative often begins:
“How good is it to have a big church when people live in sin?”
“They are building their own kingdoms.”
“They are in it for the money.”
“They use strange powers to grow.”
“They are proud and unapproachable.”
“They don’t help others.”
“They are too expensive.”
“They don’t preach for small churches.”
Now, let’s be honest—there may be isolated cases where some of these concerns have elements of truth.
But many times, if we are sincere before God, the root is not discernment…
The root is jealousy.
JEALOUSY DISGUISED AS DISCERNMENT IS STILL JEALOUSY.
When a man or woman of God rises, it exposes something in others:
* Either inspiration
* Or insecurity
And if the heart is not guarded, inspiration turns into criticism.
James 3:16 — “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
Jealousy does not produce clarity—it produces confusion, division, and bitterness.
YOU CANNOT COMPARE SEASONS
Many who criticize have just started ministry.
But they compare themselves with men and women who have:
* laboured for decades
* prayed through seasons of obscurity
* endured betrayal and misunderstanding
* paid prices you have not yet paid
Galatians 6:4 — “Let each one examine his own work… and not compare himself with another.”
Comparison is ignorance of process.
You cannot expect the fruit of a tree whose roots you have not grown.
CRITICISM DOES NOT IMPART GRACE
There is something dangerous about criticizing those ahead of you—it disconnects you from the grace that could have helped you.
1 Samuel 2:30 — “Those who honor Me I will honor…”
Honor positions you to receive.
Criticism shuts the door.
Many people have delayed their own lifting because they dishonored those God raised.
NOT EVERY LARGE MINISTRY IS CORRUPT
We must correct this dangerous and often uninformed narrative in the body of Christ. Growth is not automatically a sign of compromise, and size is not proof of corruption.
NOT EVERY MINISTRY SUCCEEDS BECAUSE OF OCCULTIC POWERS OR THE USE OF CHARMS.
Such assumptions are often rooted in suspicion rather than discernment, and in many cases, they reveal more about the condition of the critic’s heart than the reality of the ministry being criticized.
Yes, it is true that some ministries may grow or appear to succeed through questionable means, including the use of charms or occult practices. However, it is both unjust and unwise to generalize and label all successful ministries in the same way. Such sweeping accusations lack discernment and can lead to dishonor, misjudgment, and spiritual error. We must learn to judge each case with maturity, guided by truth and the Spirit, rather than suspicion or assumption.
The truth is this:
Many ministries grow because:
* They have built proper systems and structures that sustain growth
* They apply biblical principles consistently and diligently
* They walk in obedience to God’s instructions over time
1 Corinthians 14:40 — “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Order is not carnal—it is biblical. Structure is not lack of spirituality—it is wisdom.
Joshua 1:8 — “…you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Success in God’s kingdom is tied to alignment with His Word.
In addition, some ministries experience growth because they have entered their kairos moment—a divinely appointed season where preparation meets opportunity.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
There are seasons in God where:
* Visibility increases
* Influence expands
* Results accelerate
These moments are not accidents—they are orchestrated by God.
Therefore, instead of questioning every growing ministry, we must develop the maturity to:
* Discern correctly
* Honor genuinely
* Learn humbly
Not everything that grows is evil.
And not everything that is small is pure.
Let us judge with righteous judgment, not with prejudice.
John 7:24 — “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Let us correct this mindset.
Not every man or woman leading a large ministry:
* loves money
* uses manipulation
* operates in deception
There are many who have grown because:
* they obeyed God
* they stayed consistent
* they built systems
* they developed people
* they laboured in prayer and the Word
Hebrews 6:12 — “…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Notice the instruction is not:
criticize those who are ahead
But:
IMITATE THEM.
WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSE?
Instead of criticizing, do this:
1. LEARN FROM THEM
Study their journey. What principles are they applying?
2. HONOR THEIR GRACE
Every genuine result carries a grace. Respect it.
3. SEEK WISDOM
If possible, connect. Ask questions. Listen.
4. FOCUS ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT
God did not call you to compete. He called you to be faithful.
John 21:22 — “What is that to you? You follow Me.”
Jesus was clear—your focus is your walk, not someone else’s lane.
BITTERNESS WILL POISON YOUR FUTURE
If not dealt with, jealousy matures into bitterness.
And bitterness is dangerous—it blinds you.
You will begin to:
* misjudge people
* speak wrongly
* lose spiritual sensitivity
Hebrews 12:15 — “…lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”
Notice—bitterness does not only affect you.
It spreads.
CELEBRATE GRACE, DON’T FIGHT IT
There will always be someone ahead of you.
That is not your problem—that is your opportunity.
Their success is not your limitation.
It is proof of what God can do.
Romans 12:15 — “Rejoice with those who rejoice…”
If you cannot celebrate others, you are not ready for your own lifting.
FINAL WORD
Never be jealous of those ahead of you.
Never reduce what you do not understand.
Never criticize what you have not built.
Instead:
* learn
* grow
* stay faithful
* honor grace
Your time will come.
And when it does, you will understand the price they paid.
Ben Ndobe
