The Envious Eye...

As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on. (1 Samuel 18:6-9 ESV) Saul thrived on public opinion. It was the meter by which he gauged all things: whether and when to go to battle; whether to obey God or not; how he treated others. When Davids' popularity matched and possibly exceeded his own, Saul snapped. He could not bear the thought of someone else being number 1. Deep down he knew the truth: David was the up and coming king; Saul was on his way out. But rather than submit to God's will, he allowed bitterness and envy to slip in, keeping his evil, envious eye on David. It's easy for us to see. What is much more difficult is for us to objectively see our own envy, bitterness, and resentment of others. But we know One who can, and does. So what are we to do? Ask Him to help us see what He sees, own up to it, confess it, and set a loving, praying eye on anyone we envy. When we ask God to bless them with what they need, He will be blessing all those around that person, including me.