June 2026

Good morning,

Professional jealousy is a real thing … even in church work.

About three miles northeast of downtown Rome sits a little church called the Sistine Chapel … maybe you've heard of it. The chapel has been around for more than 500 years, and has quite a history. Whereas many churches are known for their youth programs, or impressive choir, or strong pulpit ministry, the Sistine Chapel is recognized for its historic architecture and unmatched artwork.

Many artisans helped create the splendor of the Sistine Chapel, but two names stand out most prominently — one you know, and the other probably not.

By his mid-20s, Michelangelo had already displayed his sculpturing genius. His chiseled masterpieces of David and the Pietà convinced Pope Julius II that the young sculptor was the perfect choice to create an elaborate tomb for the pontiff — a three-story, free standing structure constructed entirely of white Carrara marble, and accompanied with forty life-size statues.

It was the job of a lifetime for any sculptor.

Now, meet Donato Bramante, the Vatican's Chief Architect and Construction Supervisor. Bramante was also a gifted sculptor, and had shamefully lobbied for the pope's mausoleum project. It only made sense that he would get the job. After all, his resume oozed with impressive qualifications — he was a major designer of St. Peter's Basilica and the massive Belvedere Courtyard, he conceived the idea of the double helix spiral staircase in the Vatican Museum, and he redesigned the Vatican Palace.

And yet, Bramante was passed over in favor of the new kid.

As Michelangelo's work became more and more recognized, and the artistic community became more and more impressed, Bramante became more and more jealous.

Soon, Bramante's green-eyed monster hatched a plan to discredit young Michelangelo.

He convinced the pope that the dark blue ceiling of the Sistine Chapel looked tacky and dull, and needed a fresh new look. "Maybe a fresco painting. In fact, I'll bet Michelangelo would be perfect for the job."

Bramante knew Michelangelo had never painted fresco — a painstaking process of applying water-based pigment directly onto fresh, wet plaster — and he knew the kid would fail miserably and lose all credibility.

With the decision made, Michelangelo was reassigned to the ceiling job — a job for which he had no desire at all.

Over the next four years, while lying on his back 65 feet above the chapel floor, on rickety scaffolding that Bramante had built, and while enduring the constant drippings of mildewed moisture down his raised and wearied arms, Michelangelo painted the 5,000 square feet ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

History now calls that ceiling one of the greatest artistic masterpieces of all time.

Unfortunately, Bramante's review of Michelangelo's artistry wasn't recorded, but it's likely he kicked himself for recommending the kid.

Jealousy rarely has a successful conclusion. So many familiar stories prove that point…

• Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God. When Abel's blood sacrifice was accepted, and Cain's fruit basket was not, jealousy caused one to kill the other. (Gen 4)


• Joseph's brothers tried to kill him because he was their father's favorite. Years later, they owed their lives to him. (Gen 37)


• Miriam resented that God chose Moses for His spokesperson, and not her. The jealousy resulted in her temporary leprosy. (Num 12)


• King Saul's life and leadership ended in complete ruin because he was obsessed with jealousy of David. (1Sam 18)

It's a scary thing when jealousy takes control.

Workplace studies show that 44% of America's workers struggle with professional jealousy on a weekly basis, mostly because of income disparity, missed opportunities, or work that's underappreciated.

Is this also true in the church?

If so, corporate America says — and they're not wrong! — foster a culture of open communication, transparency and collaboration. Promote team-based goals over individual competition. Honor behind-the-scenes work. Share the credit. Remind everyone that excellence is its own reward.

And, if you're ever tempted to assign the dreaded ceiling job to a rival, remember, "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil thing." (James 3.16)

Blessings,