Sharing Not Dividing

By: Wendy Sanders

Monday, July 14, 2025

As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 1 Samuel 18:7

I think we've all had moments where we compared ourselves to someone else. But I also think it's one of the biggest traps Satan steers us toward. Comparing ourselves with others usually leads us down paths that don’t bring honor or glory to God. Saul constantly compared himself to David, and he became so jealous of David’s accomplishments that he did everything he could to get rid of him. He even tried to kill David multiply times in multiple ways! When the people sang David's praises, the surrounding countries learned of his success, which caused Saul to resent him even more.

Saul tried as hard as he could to kill David, but God wouldn’t allow it. We aren't as extreme as Saul, but I sadly admit there have been times in my life I wished the person I was jealous of would “fall of their high horse.” Unlike Saul, I didn’t try to harm them, but in a way, I was trying to "kill" the work the Lord was using them for. How? Instead of working alongside them, I secretly wished for their downfall. Which even now, I'm ashamed of admitting.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

God has given each of us different gifts and abilities. Division is destructive, but unity makes us stronger. Instead of mentally dividing up God’s glory, we must be willing to share it. We do this by encouraging each other and lifting each other up. We must always rejoice in our shared calling; the kingdom work God has so lovingly given us. Christ follower, what spiritual gifts has God given you? Has He been stirring your heart to use your gift? Are there promptings you knew were from the Lord that you haven’t acted on? If you don’t yet know what your spiritual gift is, our church has some amazing resources that will help you identify them. Contact someone at CCM, they will be glad to help you discover your gift!

I pray that instead of comparing ourselves or resenting what the Lord is doing in someone else’s life, we would realize we are all equal in God's eyes. If you're struggling with comparison like I was, pray for God to give you a heart that rejoices in whatever He is doing, no matter who He uses for His glory.