1 Samuel 18
Corresponding actions should follow a lifestyle filled with faith where Jesus is at the center. Inversely, corresponding actions will follow a lifestyle driven by fear. Which one are you living in? The fear symptons outline this chapter. See if any of these apply to you.
Fear of man: Saul was angry and jealous as the crowds compared he & David (v.8-9). He didn’t recognize God’s blessing of victory in the midst of battle.
Fear of success: David’s continued success caused him to realize the Lord was with David and not with him (v. 12-13).
Fear of rejection: David’s success made him very popular in Israel and Judah (v. 14-16). Saul tried his best to put David in a position to lose his life.
Do you find yourself comparing your life with others? Do you sometimes find yourself jealous at co-workers? Do you accept responsibility for your own mistakes or are you quick to blame others?
Corresponding faith leads to a lifestyle filled with the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Corresponding faith responds to the Lord in repentance (Rom 12:1-2). Corresponding faith is never afraid of the success of others (Heb 13:16). When these choices fill your life, you will discover a lifestyle filled with faith. Are you faith-filled or fear-driven?
Jason Marshall