How do you deal with success?

More importantly, how do you deal with the success of a friend or coworker?

In 1 Samuel 17, David's life changed forever. He went from an anonymous shepherd in the field to a national celebrity in Israel. Killing the Philistine giant Goliath changed his life forever. With David's victory over Goliath, the people of Israel began to celebrate the military success of David and turned him into a national hero. Everyone loved David.

Except for Saul. Everyone loved young David except for King Saul.

He resented David's success. He was envious of the songs the women of Israel sang about David's accomplishments. Saul wanted the praise of his people and was jealous that the people praised David rather than him. In 1 Samuel 18, 4x it says that David was successful, 3x it says that God was "with David", and 6x it records that God and the Israelites "loved David."

1 Samuel 18 records the success of David and the resentment of King Saul.

Saul measured his life in light of David's life and when he didn't measure up he began to resent David. In truth, Saul resented God. He resented God's plan to bless David and show him favor. While Saul showed bitterness towards David, his heart was bitter towards God and God's plan for his people.

Similarly, it may be difficult for you to deal with the success of others. It can be challenging to watch others succeed and prosper while you struggle daily and deal with physical or financial problems. Sometimes it can lead to questioning God and his plan. Sometimes it can lead to questioning what God is doing in your life.

Scripture reminds you not to measure your life in light of your neighbor or coworker. God's Word instructs you to measure your life in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When you were a sinner facing God as your Judge, Jesus Christ went to the cross to redeem you from a guilty verdict and from eternal death. His redemptive death rescued you from a destiny of death and gave you the hope of life.

Christ's death frees you from sin and death.

His death liberates you from comparing your own life with others and frees you to live in response to God's grace in Jesus Christ.