After David’s unexpected heroics against Goliath and the Philistines, David started to get very popular with the Israelites.
People in the streets were saying that Saul had slain thousands of wicked people, but David had slain tens of thousands of wicked people.
Saul did NOT like this comparison!
“Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him… And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” (1 Samuel 18:8-9)
Saul couldn’t be happy that the threat of destruction from the Philistines was gone because he was bothered that David had done even more than he had done.
AND people were noticing the difference!
Do we ever get caught up in this mind game of comparison?
It can be difficult to be confident with our act of service, our family scripture study, or our sacrament meeting talk in church if we are constantly comparing what we are doing to everyone else.
Our family scripture study looks very simple right now.
And when I think about it, I feel this little confirmation and peace in my heart that it’s perfect for what my family members need right now.
It’s only when I start to hear what some other people are doing for scripture study that I start to feel inadequate.
But I’ve also realized that this trap of comparison is so self-focused and has literally nothing to do with my relationship with God.
Is my version of family scripture study teaching us more about God and Jesus? Awesome. That’s what it’s supposed to do.
And if other families accomplish that same goal in different ways, I’m gonna cheer them on for turning closer to the Savior too.
So if the teacher in church the week after you gives an amazing lesson that everyone won’t stop talking about, awesome. More people turned toward Jesus.
If someone else’s kid has a better knowledge of the gospel than yours, good for them! More people with a knowledge of Jesus.
We’re all on our own path.
Saul couldn’t stop comparing himself to David, and it ended up causing a lot of issues for his heart.
When it comes to building up the kingdom of God and becoming like Jesus, the more the merrier.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
