We left the driveway at dusk for the familiar route of winding Highway 7, and when we reached the quaint little town square of Jasper, we abruptly stopped. We were situated in a valley surrounded by the Ozark mountains. Night had fallen, and there was the peaceful sound of a steady rain. A dense fog settled in Jasper, forcing us to travel slowly but steadily. And then, just beyond the rural Arkansas community, we came to a halt, and there we waited…and waited. Bright lights were visible just ahead, and a road crew was repairing a pothole the size of my car at the edge of the arch-shaped bridge.
Imagine being in a situation where there’s no detour, no exit. A man wearing a hard hat and vest holds a stop sign. You’re stuck on the wrong side of the bridge, watching others travel without restriction. You, too, feel that pang of envy. Envy is that kind of sideways glance. When we become dissatisfied with our situation, our plans and ourselves are what we worship.
Envy is fueled by reality shows dripping in extravagance, TikTok dance videos of best friend moms in yoga pants, and reels featuring luxurious homes that take center stage when simply checking social media. The upside-down values of today’s society would inform women that our identity is secure in personal possessions, appearance, and status. Envy is sourced from a passion for what others have and is driven by a sense of entitlement. No sin is unique to today’s culture, as Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
When we look around at the lives of others, we add the sins of pride and envy. Pride and envy are everyday human struggles that have wormed their way into our culture, communities, churches, and homes.
Envy, a sin that can consume us if we let it, is not invincible. We have a powerful weapon in our arsenal: gratitude. When we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, we disarm envy. Gratitude is not a mere feeling, but a conscious choice to recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives. In practicing gratitude, we acknowledge that what God has given us is enough, and we trust in His provision. It is this trust, this faith, that can shield us from the corrosive effects of envy.
As a guide, I urge you to read and meditate on Psalms 37 and 73 in this moment. These passages offer wisdom and guidance on shifting our focus from envy to trust in God’s provision and plan. Gratitude refers to showing thanks for what you have and are grateful for. Cultivate gratitude.
Debbie Swindell 