Power Point - February 3, 2006

February 3, 2006

Then Saul was very angry…so Saul eyed David from that day forward. And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice. Now Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. --1 Samuel 18:8-13

How to survive success is found in the third “be-attitude”: Be aware of envious people. Saul was very angry with David and jealous. God had already departed Saul because of his pride and selfishness. He knew this and as a result became disturbed and frustrated under the discipline of the Lord. When David experienced victory, Saul felt it was his loss.

There are people today who look around with green eyes of jealousy when they see someone else’s success and blessing. They are filled with pride and envy because they feel they’ve experienced loss. I’ve met a lot of people who are just like the Grinch in Dr. Seuss’ story. Anytime they see someone enjoying the Lord and their walk with God, they become very selfish, disturbed, and hateful.

There are three marks on egocentric, selfish pride that I see in the life of Saul at this point: anger (v 8), jealousy (v 9), and fear (v 12). If you say nothing, be nothing, and do nothing for the Lord, then you will not receive much criticism and most people will get along with you. But if you stand out in a crowd and win a great victory for the glory of God, you’ll find hurtful comments hurled at you from angry people.

Every man and woman who is real like David makes the phony look unreal! Christians who are following along the same path as Saul and express anger and jealousy toward you are afraid of the reality of your life and testimony. In your daily Christian walk, beware of pride and be aware of people who are envious of your successes.

BE ALERT AND WATCH FOR ANGRY, JEALOUS, AND FEAFUL PEOPLE WHO ARE ENVIOUS OF YOUR VICTORY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.