Green-eyed Monster
It wasn't long before the
notorious green-eyed monster overpowered Saul.
God anointed him as Israel's first king, but after awhile, doing things
God's way no longer interested Saul. Ultimately Saul's dynasty - Saul's purpose - Saul's role completely diminished, superseded by a newly appointed king, David. That's when the green-eyed monster showed up and Saul became obsessed with destroying David, regardless of God's plans.
Instead, Saul was the one destroyed - by his own jealousy.
Ever allow the green-eyed monster - jealousy - to dominate your thinking? Let's take a look at the SIX GREEN "Ps" that trigger jealousy red flags:
1) POSSESSIONS - Someone
has what you want - and you resent them for it. "Her house is so big." His car is way too expensive." "She owns too many shoes."
2) POSITION - "Why
does he get to be the coach?" "I'm
a better boss." "He always gets
the accolades." That stinks.
3) PRIVILEGE - So you
weren't born into a family of privilege?
"They always go on nice vacations." "She doesn't even have to work." Not fair.
4) PROMOTION - "Why
did so-and-so get promoted instead of me? I've been there longer. I do a better job and I wanted that job more!"
5) PERFECT APPEARANCE - "Beautiful
face, thick hair, perfect body. I hate
her." "I'm too tall, too short, wish I had better teeth." Worms,
anyone?
6) POPULARITY - "She's
invited to everything." "Everybody
loves to hang around his office. I'm just
not outgoing like that." "His jokes aren't funny anyway."
Sound familiar? Or
have you got the "green gimmies?"
I want this. I want that. I want, want, want what I can't or don't
have.
Seriously, is the grass really
greener on the other side? If so, then consider that it was probably a lot of
work! Saul's son, Jonathan, would have been in line to become the next king. God said "change of plans." Jonathan's response? He supported David becoming king in every way - because it was God's way. Jonathan even encouraged David, helped him, and saved his life. His focus was God's focus - and not through any "green eye."
Saul destroyed his life because of his lack of controlling the green-eyed monster - jealousy - in his life. Jealousy kills and destroys. James 3:16 "Where jealousy and selfishness are there will be confusion and every kind of evil." Jealousy is the root of many problems in our lives.
What we’re dealing with today is not some petty nuisance or minor weakness in our lives. The Bible says it will rot the bones! It’s from the pit of hell - the devil himself.
Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and change your world."
So what's the "Remedy for Jealousy." Stay tuned! Later this week we'll find out. Don't miss it!
