| Why did these high-ranking administrators think up this plot to trap Daniel and destroy him? One word explains it all - "jealousy". For many years Daniel had been prominent in the Babylonian court. Now Darius was planning to make him number one, next to himself and the other administrators were determined to prevent this from happening. Jealousy made them blind to Daniel's outstanding abilities. They had a problem however. How could they find a fault worthy of death in a godly man like Daniel? Their plan was to substitute Darius for Daniel's God and make it compulsory to worship no one else, or face the penalty of death. Darius was so carried away with the whole idea that he never thought of its consequences. Why didn't he ask, "Where's Daniel? Does he know about this?" He did not see beyond their flattery, their insincerity and their jealousy until it was too late. Jealousy is one of Satan's deadliest weapons. It can show its head in a Christian's heart and mind, suddenly and unexpectedly. If let loose in a church it can destroy friendships and distort even the best of motives. Jealousy can divide families. It is often mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is usually described as envy. Pilate knew it was because of envy that the Jewish leaders had brought Christ before him (Mt 27:18). It was also because of envy that Joseph was sold by his brothers into Egypt. Paul told the Corinthian church it was because of jealousy and quarrelling that they were divided and had not grown in Christ. He listed jealousy among the terrible sins of the flesh in Galatians 5:21. It must never be allowed to take over our mind and heart at any time. If jealousy is a problem for you, ask the Holy Spirit to deal with it. In its place He can produce the fruit of the Spirit. The first piece of fruit in that beautiful bunch is love, remember. Where there is true love, there can only be contentment. Jealousy has no place in the heart of a true believer. | 
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