After
David killed Goliath, women danced in the streets and sang victory songs. Saul
smiled when they sang, “Saul has killed his thousands. . .” Then the
women sang the second stanza: "And David his ten thousands" (1
Sam. 18:7). When Saul heard them praising David more than himself, jealousy
consumed him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me
they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”
An evil spirit came on Saul and he “looked at David with suspicion from
that day on” (1 Sam. 18:9,10).
Here are three characteristics
of jealousy:
Jealousy is suspicious. Saul “looked at David with suspicion” until
his dying day. Jealousy views people as suspects who are guilty.
Jealousy feels threatened. Jealousy is rooted in insecurity and will
attack the perceived threat. Saul tried to kill David by throwing a spear at
him (1 Sam. 18:11).
Jealousy never
trusts. Saul had a sneaking
suspicion that David was plotting to overthrow him. David had no such
intentions but Saul chose to believe the lies in his mind instead. Even when
David gave him proof by sparing his life, Saul wouldn’t change his mind and
continued to persecute David.
Jealousy
destroys relationships and this is why it is dangerous. It can kill
marriages. Instead of drawing a person closer, it has the opposite effect and
drives the other person away through accusations. Even though jealousy primarily
operates in romantic relationships, it can also be found in the secular workplace
between co-workers, in political campaigns between candidates, and even in
church when someone else is praised for their spiritual gifts.
James
tells us where these thoughts are coming from. “If you have bitter jealousy
and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against
the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly,
natural, demonic” (James 3:14-15).
The
way to conquer jealousy is to humble yourself, let Jesus be your greatest love,
and place your situation in God’s hands. For more information about how to
overcome jealousy, read chapter 18 in Slaying Your Giants. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
www.makinglifecount.net
Making Life Count Ministries
NEW BIBLE
STUDIES:
How did Jonah stay alive in the whale for three days? Did Jonah breath inside the whale or did he die?
Did two different people write the Book of Isaiah? Some modern-day “scholars”
deny that Isaiah wrote the book. This study disproves that theory.
Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Hebrews in the only book in the New Testament
where the author is unknown. However, it was likely written by one of these three people.
Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
