The Toxic Song of Comparison: Lessons from Saul, David, and Beyond
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7
When Nikola Tesla entered the scientific community, Thomas Edison dominated the spotlight. Edison was celebrated for his invention of the light bulb and his promotion of direct current (DC). Little did anyone anticipate that Tesla's invention of the alternating current (AC) system would ignite Edison's anger and jealousy. It wasn't just Tesla's genius that made the equally talented Edison envious; it was the recognition that the younger engineer was gaining in the public eye. In an attempt to crush his opponent, Edison embarked on a smear campaign against Tesla, aiming to discredit his work and innovations. Today, Edison would likely be furious witnessing people driving electric cars named after Tesla, while his own name fades into obscurity.
In today's passage from the First Book of Samuel, both Saul and David return from a successful campaign against the Philistines. However, the celebration of their victory is tainted by a song sung by women that sets the stage for a bitter rivalry between the two: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Even millennia ago, public opinion held tremendous sway. Saul is furious at this comparison and begins plotting to kill David, whom he had previously embraced as a loyal servant.
The biblical passage, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands," captures a profound essence of human existence — a timeless narrative of comparison, competition, and the complexities of ambition. Consider our contemporary influencers on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The entire industry thrives on the pursuit of more likes, views, and followers. We not only long for validation from others but also yearn to surpass others. A mere thousand clicks is not enough when someone else achieves ten thousand. The story of Saul and David, Edison and Tesla, and countless other examples from history and our daily lives demonstrate how even the greatest triumphs can breed envy when compared to the accomplishments of others.
It is easy to draw a lesson from our story about the futility of measuring our worth solely through external validation and comparison. It is also easy to preach that true fulfillment lies not in outshining others but in realizing our own potential, making authentic contributions to the world, and finding contentment within ourselves. However, the complexity of human nature makes it challenging to heed this advice. Our egos are incredibly vulnerable, and navigating interactions with others proves difficult. Saul could have chosen to congratulate David or simply ignore the song and continue with his life. But he didn't. The jealousy that the song planted in his heart brought disaster upon the kingdom, his family, and his personal life.
The question arises: Can we become immune to the toxic song of comparison? Perhaps, but only if we fix our eyes on Jesus, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (Philippians 2:6). His message emphasizes love, compassion, and humility — qualities that transcend the need for validation or being better than others. By fixing our eyes on Jesus and embracing his teachings, we can transcend the pressures of comparison culture and discover a deeper sense of contentment and purpose.