Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:8-9, Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
Insecurity and jealousy can be very destructive in the life of a Christian. Saul had every reason to rejoice, as a king. He had gained a man who would lead his men, and country, to victories over their enemies. Yet, he allowed his selfish motives, insecurities, and jealousies lead him down a path of destruction. In verses 5-7 we read, “So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6 Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sand as they danced, and said: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’” We see that Saul was so well-pleased with David’s dedication and service to him that he set him over the men of war. All this was well and good until David began to receive greater praises than he received. How often do we look upon others, whom God prospers, with envy and wonder why God has not done the same for us? How often do we measure our service and success to others, when in fact we should be keeping our eyes on Jesus and stay in our own lane of service to Him? In John 21 when Peter questioned Jesus about John’s future, Jesus responded to him in verse 22, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” That is great advice for each of us. We need to take our eyes off what God is doing in the lives of others, that is none of our business, and simply follow Him. Our insecurities and jealousies can be very destructive to the local church, and even in our personal relationships. 1 Corinthians 3:3 warns, “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” James 3:14-16 clearly tells us, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” The devils love nothing more than causing division within the body of Jesus. When we allow our insecurities and jealousies to get the best of us, we put ourselves in a position to be used as tools in the devils’ hands for causing division. Along with being the cause of division, we can also find ourselves on the other side of that coin, as David did. We may find that others will be jealous of how God is using us and blessing us, and find ourselves on the receiving end of the jealous actions towards us. When we do, we must continue to do as David did, whose commitment to God did not waver, and who refused to compromise who he was or what God expected of him, regardless of how much he suffered due to Saul’s jealousy. If we find ourselves on the side of the coin where we are the ones gossiping and causing division because of our insecurities and jealousy, then we need to repent, confess it, and get right with the LORD and those whom we have persecuted. If we are on the other side of that coin, then we need to continue to be steadfast in our service to the Lord and continue living for His glory, trusting Him to intervene and take vengeance on those who choose to persecute us because of their own jealousies.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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