Envy

 December 28, 2022

“All Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.”

—I Samuel 18:16

David was a “people person,” constantly in the public eye, wheats Saul secreted himself away in the palace. David’s very name means “Beloved,” and may actually be more of a nickname. In 2 Samuel 21:9 it names Elhanan as the one who killed Goliath (see also 1 Chronicle 20:5). Is it possible that the people bestowed the name David upon Elhanan because of his victory over the giant and his constant presence among them?

In my life, Linda is loved by so many because she is is so much a people person. I am more like Saul—a good father, but one who like Saul has issues with pride, insecurity, and self-will. I am determined however, not to end like Saul, consumed with jealousy and envy, and prideful vengeance. Saul ended his life unable to connect with God nor man despite his sincere efforts to do so. His isolation became a demonic playground that ended in his consulting a medium for guidance. Samuel’s word years earlier when Saul failed to kill Agag had played out in his life:

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” —I Samuel 15:23 

Instead of accepting his own personality, his desire for recognition became his downfall. He would never be the charismatic leader like David, but instead of leading, he became obsessed with destroying the one who would become his successor. His jealousy at another’s success sowed fear in his heart, which became a destructive obsession.

Being able to recognize and accept one’s own strengths and weaknesses is critical to healthy, productive living. Any time we envy someone else’s talents, we are in effect telling God he didn’t know what he was doing when he made us, which in turn, is setting ourselves up as little gods, ready to usurp the One True and Living God. That was Lucifer’s sin. May it never become ours