Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — 4.1MB)
Presented by Lauren Stibgen
When jealousy gets to have a stronghold in your life, it can be sinful. We have seen jealousy of undeserved compassion, coveting possessions and celebrations, and the envy of someone’s perceived advantage. Today, we will consider the jealousy of exaltation or fame.
Have you ever felt a twang of jealousy when someone receives a compliment? It could be something small like a passing great job, or something bigger like a crowd cheering for someone else’s accomplishments.
In the Old Testament, Saul burned with jealousy over David. In 1 Samuel 10-31 you can read the entire saga between Saul and David. But, if you recall, the Lord had given Saul as a king to the people. God blessed Saul with much success in battle, and filled with pride, he sets up a monument for himself. Saul loved being recognized, and he loved the power of being King. God regreted appointing Saul king and sent Samuel to anoint a new king.
When David was anointed, we are told he had beautiful eyes and was handsome. David didn’t become king immediately. In fact, we aren’t even told David knew he was to become the king. He served Saul by playing the lyre to calm him and carried on as a shepherd. Eventually we know David defeated Goliath. This is where the jealousy ensues. You see, the women of Israel had celebrated Saul in his battle victories, but now they celebrated David. Saul struck down thousands and David his ten thousands.
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David (1 Samuel 18:8-9).
Saul was jealous of David’s success, and the fame he received from his success—so much so the remainder of the book of 1 Samuel tells of Saul’s plots to kill David.
When jealousy over someone’s success at work stirs you to tear them down, you really have a problem. Maybe you start gossiping to highlight things that make the other person look bad. Worse, maybe this a person who works for you, and you aim to get them fired because they take the spotlight off you as a leader.
Maybe you aren’t Saul in this story, but you are David. I know I have been in this position professionally, and it has drawn me closer to God.
First, if you feel jealousy rising up, find someone to talk with about these feelings and confess them to God. If you are on the other side of someone’s jealousy, pray. But also do something practical and document your accomplishments well.
