Jealousy

“Jealousy is an inner consciousness of one’s own inferiority.  It is a mental cancer.”
 - B.C. Forbes 

As we are walking through 1 Samuel together on Sunday mornings, King Saul is showing us  how destructive jealousy can be.  David, the part-time palace musician, has been thrust into the limelight of fame by the people of Israel after defeating Goliath.  As David’s fame becomes the stuff of legend and song, the chorus of the most popular song of the day compares Saul’s success with that of David’s.  When he hears, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David tens of thousands” over and over, it infuriates King Saul.  A jealousy is growing in Saul like a “slow burn” of anger inside his heart. 

Jealousy always leads to destruction.

The smoldering  embers of Saul’s angry jealousy are fanned into a full on “wildfire” of attempts to kill David and protect his throne.  I believe Saul is walking in shame, knowing it was he who should have been fighting Goliath and trusting God for the victory.  At this point in the narrative (1 Sam. 18), the Holy Spirit’s anointing has been taken away from the king and given to David.  Saul is isolated and probably feels like his power and authority are diminishing every day.  Meanwhile, he is watching David being elevated into the most influential person in HIS kingdom. Even Jonathan, the crown prince, has pledged his love and support to David.  Saul must feel betrayed and alone. So, with a mixture of insecurity, fear and shame, Saul decides to kill David. 

Jealousy will always quickly lead us to a place of eliminating a threat or destroying another person.   Last Sunday I put it this way:  

 “When the enemy of your soul finds some turf that you are trying to defend, he will constantly tempt you to fight and destroy others in order to keep it.”

I’ve read many quotes trying to defend jealousy as an extension of love.  Some claim it’s normal and would dismiss it as something that even our dogs experience.  

“The jealous are troublesome to others, but torment to themselves.” - William Penn

At the core of our jealousy is a lack of trust in God and our identity as His loved son or cherished daughter.

“Subtle jealousy steals the identity you’ve been given in Christ.” - Rebecca Marie Jo

If we want to grow in our emotional and spiritual health, we need to look at our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight where we are fighting with jealousy.   

Last Sunday I mentioned five ways to fight jealousy and come in the opposite spirit.  If you are feeling tempted to be envious or jealous of someone, these are ways to refocus your heart, mind and attention.    

1. Practice gratitude 
2. Honor others
3. Focus on your own growth
4. Stop comparing yourself to others
5. Be vulnerable and ask for wise counsel from a friend 

As we deal with the jealousy in our hearts and strengthen our understanding of our identity in Christ, our security and strength will rise.  The byproduct of this soul work will be joy and an increased ability to influence others (leadership) under the light yoke of Jesus.  

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If you missed last Sunday's message "Lessons From Three Kings: Week 12- Saul and Jealousy" click here.

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