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We’ve all felt it—the subtle sting of jealousy when someone else’s achievement gets celebrated. Why couldn’t that be me? Why don’t they care about what I’ve done? What am I going to have to do to top that?
Jealousy is a common feeling, and most of the time it’s a knee-jerk reaction that happens before we can even stop it. But while most of us can get a handle on our jealousy, that’s not the case with King Saul.
David’s victory over Goliath really got to King Saul. He knew as well as David that God gave him victory. But to Saul, that meant God was with David now—not with him anymore. David’s growing popularity with the people only intensified Saul’s fear and jealousy. That resentment escalated into rage, and Saul eventually grew obsessed with how to end David’s life.
Though Saul began his kingship with humility and a right relationship with God, his pursuit of success and popularity eventually bred pride and disobedience in his heart—the tighter he clung to what he thought he needed, the further he drove himself away from the relationship with God he actually needed. As his life unraveled, Saul faced a choice: repentance or resentment. Tragically, he surrendered to resentment, and it consumed and tormented him for the rest of his life.
Like Saul, you could face the same choice. When jealousy rises, bring it honestly to God. Surrender your fears, trust that his plans for your life are good, and stay faithful to what he’s called you to—instead of trying to insert yourself in his plans for someone else. Don’t let someone else’s success distract you from the unique calling God has placed on your life.