The Purpose of Jealousy

~ 1Samuel 18:8-9 (NKJ) ~ 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?” So Saul eyed David from that day forward.

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by Carley Cooper

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In one of my regular bible study groups we are studying the life of David.  After he killed Goliath there was a celebration in the streets.  People were so happy with David’s success in everything he did they chanted a song saying “Saul has slain his thousands, and David tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7).   After this incident Saul’s love for David changed to jealousy.  Instead of being happy that his successes were included, Saul became envious of David for having, what he saw, as more success.  As part of our study we watched a movie about David’s life.  The question came up during our discussion time afterward “How often are we jealous in a situation where there is no need for jealousy?”

What are You Jealous About?

There’s likely something that tugs at your heart with feelings of jealousy toward someone or something.  For me, it’s (hands down) people with kids, marriages; and material things like houses, cars, money.  I’m single (divorced) with no children (outside of pets) and I’ve always had a difficult time dealing with it.  So much that I avoid as much as possible things like baby and bridal showers, and weddings.  I even avoid reading books, articles, or blogs about kids or marriages.  I don’t give my opinions on anything related to marriage or parenting during conversations.

Our Thinking is Flawed

Our focus is wrong when we think like this.  I’m putting these things ahead of Jesus.  Being a Christian is a very difficult life style.  I have to learn to follow Jesus without interference.  We’re told in the tenth commandment that we are not to covet anything that belongs to our neighbour (Exodus 20:17).  Longing for these things before I’m ready to deal with them is wrong.  It means I’m putting the wrong things first in my heart.  Not only that but sometimes the grass is not really as green on the other side of the fence as it appears to be to us at the time.  You know that old saying “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.”

Jesus Outshines All the Rest

My life is nowhere near going the way I planned it... but it’s going exactly the way God planned it.  Blessings will come in due time... in HIS time.  Meanwhile, jealousy is a wasted emotion, not to mention a sin.  Saul didn’t have a good reason to be jealous of David, and neither do we have a reason to be jealous of others.  Put Jesus first in your heart and those other things will seem minor.

Let’s Pray

 ~~ Dear God ~~  You are all-knowing.  You’ve told us in your Word that You know the blessings that You have planned for us.  So often I forget that.  I look at the blessings others have and I am envious.  Thank You for the blessings that are in store for my future.  Please help me to always put Jesus in my heart first.  I don’t want anything to stand in the way of me getting closer to Him .  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer?  Please consider sharing in the comments section; even if the link you clicked to get here was on another site.  (If you’re on the homepage, click on the post headline, and scroll down to find the comments section.)

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