When David returned from killing the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, playing songs of joy on timbrels. The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”Then Saul became very angry. This saying did not please him. He said, “They have given David honor for ten thousands, but for me only thousands. Now what more can he have but to be king?”And Saul was jealous and did not trust David from that day on. 1 Samuel 18: 6-9
1 Samuel 18 recounts the story of David’s victory and King Saul’s subsequent descent into jealousy and envy. Rather than nurturing the blessing God had bestowed upon him, Saul turned his focus and attention on his ‘competition.’ It would ultimately destroy him and his sovereign rule over Israel.
If you and I are being honest with ourselves, we will admit there are times when we are prone to look at the next guy and compare our lives, our ministry, even our God-given gifts. My biggest struggle is comparing myself to other writers. Let me share with you an excerpt from Os Guinness’ book, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose For Your Life: “When Jesus calls, he calls us one by one. Comparisons are idle, speculations about others a waste of time, and envy as silly as it is evil. We are each called individually, accountable to God alone, to please him alone, and eventually to be approved by him alone.”
Where focusing my attention on others holds me back, remaining fixed on my own calling liberates me to thrive within God’s purpose for my life. In my Bible, I’ve drawn an illustration of a horse wearing blinders in the margin beside Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT): “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet: stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
Look straight ahead . . . Don’t get sidetracked . . . Focus on your God-given calling and give it your all . . . to His glory.
Discover more from Author Renee Vajko Srch
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