Often times, people get critical and envious of others instead of seeing the good done by them; it’s an ugly spirit! Never allow it in your life. This ugly attitude was what moved Saul to try to kill David after David killed Goliath: “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall…” (1 Samuel 19:10).

 

Saul was envious of David’s success, because of how others praised him: “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). I’ve often said that the fact that someone else is succeeding doesn’t mean you’re failing; you measure your success by what God has called you to do. So when you see those who are doing well, and are being praised for their work, rejoice with them! Be genuinely excited for them! Rather than become bitter or critical, look out for what you can learn from them!

 

People become jealous and envious only when they are inordinately desirous of another’s advantages. If you walk in love, you’ll never be jealous of anyone, for you know you couldn’t ever be disadvantaged in any way!

 

As members of the same body of Christ, the success of one is the success of all; when one wins, he wins for us all! That’s because God’s desire is for every one of us to prosper and excel! Thus, instead of being threatened by the prosperity of others, be happy for them, and never criticize them for it.