Envy

I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 4:4

Have you ever wished that you had someone else’s ability to sing? Have you ever hoped your parents would buy you a cool phone like the one your friend has? Have you ever wanted to go on an exciting vacation like the one your friend is going on? It’s pretty normal to want more talent or cool things, but when desiring them makes you discontent with what you already have, you are probably feeling envy.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said that envy is meaningless. If envy is meaningless, it’s a good thing to get rid of. How can you do that? By being thankful for the talents and possessions you have. That answer may sound simple, but it’s true. There will always be someone else who has more talent and stuff than you do, but there are also many people who have less than you do.

There are people who lack even the basic necessities of food, clothing, and clean water. All you have to do is read about the problems in developing countries to realize this. While you are complaining that your computer runs too slowly or you have only a pay-per-minute cell phone, people in other parts of the world are dying because their water supply is unsafe or because a storm destroyed their crops.

And if it seems as if others always have more talent than you, focus on your strengths. Maybe you will never sing a solo, get the lead in a play, or make the winning basket in a championship game, but look for what you can do. Can you cook or bake? Are you good with younger children or the elderly? Can you draw portraits or write poetry? Solve difficult math problems? Look for the things you are good at, and work to improve them. Look for ways to use your talents to make someone else’s life a little brighter or a little better.

Envy will make you unhappy and discontent with what you have. The cure for envy is to look at all you do have and all you can do and to be thankful for the things God has given you. Ask God to help you do that this week.

Take time to make a list today. Set a timer for three minutes, and write down as many things as you can think of that you are thankful for. If your list isn’t very long, it might be time to stop and think about all you really have.