THE PILGRIMS GUIDE SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025 ELEVATING OTHERS ABOVE YOURSELF A WORD FROM THE WORD: "Then Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city." 1 Samuel 20:42 NKJV Some stories written in the Scripture are supposed to get our attention and change our mindset. Here was Jonathan, the crown prince of Israel and heir-apparent to the throne, yet clearly understood that God had chosen David, his friend, to be the king of Israel and not him, he was not taken over by the spirit of competition rather, he genuinely supported him to fulfil God's plan without jealousy, and was comfortable being next to him and planning on ways to outwit his own father's schemes against David. Jonathan so supported David that Saul his father called him an 'evil son' (1 Samuel 20:30 NIRV). So many of us need to free ourselves from the unnecessary headaches of the useless competitions we have gotten ourselves into. Can we just accept the simple fact that we cannot all be "King" and enjoy peace? God has called some people to an assignment that He didn't call you and has therefore equipped them with the grace He has not given you. The smart thing to do is to recognise that grace upon such people and support them to fulfil their God-given assignment, rather than competing with them. You cannot compete with grace and win, only fools attempt such a wastful ventures. Another point is this, it is easy for many to recognise the grace in someone afar, but would hardly see the hand of God on their friends, peers or even siblings. Jonathan was wise enough to recognise God's hand upon David even though David was his close friend. If only some Christians can have the kind of discernment Jonathan had, they will be happy to stay in their place and never try to compete with others. PRAYER BULLETS: Father LORD, engrace me to overcome the spirit of competition and elevate others above myself; enable me to see, appreciate and support those around me gifted by You in Jesus name. FURTHER READING: Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:10; John 15:13; Proverbs 27:17. ........................................................................ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2025. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. #ThePilgrimsGuide.