Topic: 1 Samuel 18:5 -16
Jealousy is a treacherous emotion. It's poison to the believer because it opens the heart to a host of other sinful feelings and attitudes. As a result, we must deal with jealousy before it has the opportunity to take root.
King Saul's jealousy warped his thinking. He eventually became a bitter man and destroyed his relationship with David. The problem began when the people praised David more highly than the king. In 1 Samuel 18:7, they said, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." The king became suspicious. He began watching for signs that David might be trying to undermine his royal position. Saul never found any actual evidence. But his clouded thinking mistook any success in the young soldier's life as reason for resentment. Bitterness and fear grew until Saul was willing to take David's life just to put his troubled mind at ease.
We could never go as far as Saul did, right? Don't be so sure. Jealousy is a powerful emotion. And one cannot say what he or she might do if given free rein. That's why it's important to deal with jealousy as soon as we're aware of its presence. First, we need to examine our hearts. Determine if there's anyone who brings feelings of suspicion, bitterness, hostility, or resentment. Then, we must prayerfully submit those feelings to the Lord.
Jealousy and resentment are poisonous emotions that simply don't fit who we are as children of God. Even a little poison can be dangerous. Holding on to such attitudes for any period of time is too long.
Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation
at 5:55 PM CDT