During the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, Jesse Owens won four gold medals. His skills infuriated Adolf Hitler because Hitler considered Aryans superior to all other athletes. Reports say at those same Games, two Jewish American athletes were denied the chance to participate-because their coach feared their participation would embarrass a jealous Hitler. Jealousy can be cruel. Years ago, attitude showed its ugly head as Paul and Barnabas were sharing the Gospel in western Asia. The Gospel message was so compelling that almost the entire town came out to hear them preach. Then we read this in Acts 13, “When some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.” These leaders cared less about the power of the Gospel to change lives; their concern was that these “outsiders” would cause them to lose power and prestige. The way to overcome jealousy is by having a trusting relationship with Almighty God-being confident that God has made me who I am. As I trust Him, I need not fear losing. I can trust God to help me find fulfillment and achieve His purpose for me.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
