As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other musical instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1 Samuel 18:6-9
Saul had been warned by Samuel that the kingdom would be ripped from his hands (1 Samuel 15:28); and he had probably been fearful about when the day would come. However, it was the lyrics, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” sung by the women who came to meet him, in celebratory style, that exacerbated his seep into a spiral of mental and spiritual decay. Saul ceased to function as a sane king, fit for God’s use! Instead, he found himself crippled by comparisons. He became full of jealousy against David; and obsessed with David’s destruction. Saul was no longer focused on serving God.
David’s success of slaying Goliath was never a threat to Saul. Saul’s own heart was the threat! Instead of Saul celebrating David’s accomplishments, he became full of jealously. Another person’s success, especially for the kingdom of God, is never a threat. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 declares, “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” If only Saul, would have realized, Godly success is beneficial to all!
As Saul found himself crippled by comparisons, David did not become caught up in the hype. David wasn’t rejoicing in the praise of the women, nor did he become puffed up or prideful by the comparison. David’s focus was on God. Let us be like David and not put too much stock in comparisons. Comparisons, not put in their proper place can cripple us. If we are not careful, they can hinder our work, gifts, purpose, and our efforts.
In our world, today, we are bombarded with comparisons. They are everywhere, especially in the world of social media. Social media has great benefits, but it has also magnified the temptation of dangerous comparisons. Social media is usually filled the very best of one’s life. The very best pictures, moments, and memories, and if we are not careful we will find ourselves comparing our worse moments with a perfect post, tweet, or instagram.
Comparisons are not always negative. However, when comparisons cause us to think less of ourselves, spouses, children, churches, ministries, and callings they become dangerous. When comparisons cause jealousies to fester they become crippling. They can cause us to become just like Saul, crippled by comparisons. Instead we should be like David, so focused on God and running our race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1), that there is no room to be crippled by comparisons.
Sadly, Christians are not exempt, we can find ourselves caught up in comparisons, even comparing our crosses. Carry your cross today without the urge to compare it to another’s cross. God gave you a cross to bear, specifically designed for you. Only you can perfectly carry your cross. Don’t allow yourself to be crippled by comparisons!
Everyday Cross Living 