The Struggle with Jealousy

We all have expectations, desires, and hopes for our lives, but our plan isn’t always God’s best. And what we see others experiencing may not be what God has in store for us. When you compare yourself with others, watch out! Jealousy is usually lurking close by.

Consider Saul. Appointed by the Lord to be Israel’s first king, Saul was given power and godly success. But when he heard women praising David for his great victory over Goliath, he became envious and suspicious. Saul began to fear losing the kingdom; eventually, his own jealousy led to loss of relationships, position, and power.

This may seem like an extreme example. And yet, if we honestly examine ourselves, we will likely find that envy is hiding somewhere in our hearts. Try this simple test: Ask yourself, is there anyone whose material, physical, or relational success causes me to feel displeasure, discomfort, or anxiety?

Most often, insecurity, selfishness, or pride is behind a jealous mindset. In fact, all three are evident in the life of Saul. He was scared that he would be outdone and overtaken; he didn’t want to share the glory with David, and he was insulted that a mere shepherd boy would perform better than a king.

The fallacy of envy is that we can never view the entire picture in someone else’s life. Only God sees beneath the surface of lives. Our eyes should focus on our own walk with the Lord. He created each of us differently, and His plan for every individual’s life is unique.