As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:7,8)
Jealousy is a green-eyed monster whose specialty is wrecking lives. Jealousy can thrive in any community, including the military.
These verses focus on two military leaders, Saul and David. Angered over David’s military successes and popularity with the people, Saul allowed jealousy to destroy his career and his walk with God.
Jealousy still destroys lives today. At its core, jealousy is telling God that what He has provided is not good enough. Jealous people do some horrible things. Some have even murdered. Bottom line: Nothing good comes out of jealousy.
Our Heavenly Commander provides a sure way to defeat this monster. How? Through an attitude of thankfulness. A thankful attitude focuses our attention on what we have — not on what we don’t have. Don’t let jealousy defeat you.
Take the upper hand by giving thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart!
