Warriors Arise: September 8, 2022
1 Samuel 18:5-9 (NKJV) So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 6 Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
Sometimes people have their own issues. There isn't anything you can do right. Matter-of-fact, the more you do right, the more they are agitated with you. They may even become more knit-picky, telling you minute things that are wrong, just to make themselves feel better. You did exactly what they said. You had a great attitude doing it; while they want to point out things that do not apply.
Jealousy is a terrible characteristic to have. We all are faced with it throughout our lives. However, we can't allow someone else's jealousy to prevent us from being all God called us to be. God is the One we want to please and bring honor to His name. The more you draw near to God, others will be jealous. They think you are trying to be "holier-than-thou", when in fact, you are doing what you do to bring honor to the Holy One. Those you work with may say, "You're too intense." When in fact, they are put off that you are out working them. The list can go on. But when the day is done, you and I answer to One and only One. We answer to God.
Did we please God today is what we did today?
Did we please God in how we did it?
Did we please God with the attitude in which we did it?
David did whatever Saul asked him to do. David behaved wisely. This is what Scripture says. This is what God says about David. And when other's compared David to Saul, it made Saul jealous. Saul did not do what his authority, Samuel, the prophet, told him to do. Saul did not behave wisely. He rejected God's directions. Those who reject God's guidance generally ridicule and make up lies about those who are following God's direction. The lies are a way of deflecting conviction from the Holy Spirit for what they didn't do.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Yikes, I hesitated putting this verse in here because it is so…cut and dry. Those who operate in jealousy will not inherit the kingdom of God. I am not sure if anyone goes through life without facing the giant of jealousy. So, how can we inherit the kingdom of God. We call "it" what it is. We are willing to identify jealousy and be honest with ourselves. There is always a cost to jealousy. It weakens relationships and steals unity. It distracts our focus by making it about them instead about what I can accomplish. It leads us to comparison rather than being our very best for God. Jealousy is a poison. Everything it touches dies. It contaminates your thoughts. It steals your passion and drive. It makes everything we do have to be done on our own, because jealousy doesn't play well with others.
The way to defeat jealousy is to recognize it for what it is.
Recognize the comparison you are entertaining in your mind.
Recognize the desire to have what someone else has.
Recognize the lies you are telling yourself as to why they have it.
Recognize the lies you are telling yourself as to why you don't have it.
Recognize the lack of unity.
Recognize the lack of enthusiasm to celebrate them and with them.
Then repent. bless them, celebrate them and encourage them. Look to the Lord to guide you to success and becoming your best version of you. Be what God says for you to be. Do what God says for you to do. Stay in your lane and stop looking at others as they approach and even pass by. Stop causing an accident as you float over the line, because you are not keeping your eyes on where you are to be and what you are to be doing. Stay in your lane.
Father, there are times jealousy comes in like a flood. I pray I would recognize it quickly and release it. I will not allow jealousy to direct my thoughts. I will not let joausy have a seat in my mind. I will bless those who have achieved and honor them. I will stay focused on where You have me to go. I will keep my eyes on You and the road ahead. I will not be distracted by what others have accomplished or are accomplishing. I will be who You have created me to be and I will do what You have created me to do. I will listen to Your counsel and follow every bit of it. I will be in fellowship with You to accomplish what You have put inside of me. I am blessed, because my eyes are on You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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