“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Galatians 5:25-26
Envy is the enemy of contentment. The two cannot coexist in a person’s heart because, at its core, envy is dissatisfaction with God’s provision. It is a lust for something He has given to another.
Ironically, the objects of our envy will always be incapable of actually satisfying us. Have you ever attained something you had envied only to discover that it no longer held value or interest once it was yours? Then, in an effort to derive satisfaction, you began to flaunt what you had in the hope that others would now envy you. Envy and conceit go hand-in-hand, spreading like a virus to others.
Many of us will spend our entire lives struggling with and perpetuating this cycle. How can we break free and find lasting contentment? Only Christ can break the cycle. The key is to esteem our treasures in proportion to their true value. The more Christ takes His rightful place as the greatest treasure, the less anything else matters by comparison. Contentment quietly settles into our hearts, and Christ becomes our all in all.
Ironically, the objects of our envy will always be incapable of actually satisfying us. Have you ever attained something you had envied only to discover that it no longer held value or interest once it was yours? Then, in an effort to derive satisfaction, you began to flaunt what you had in the hope that others would now envy you. Envy and conceit go hand-in-hand, spreading like a virus to others.
Many of us will spend our entire lives struggling with and perpetuating this cycle. How can we break free and find lasting contentment? Only Christ can break the cycle. The key is to esteem our treasures in proportion to their true value. The more Christ takes His rightful place as the greatest treasure, the less anything else matters by comparison. Contentment quietly settles into our hearts, and Christ becomes our all in all.
Scripture Focus
James 4:1-12
Insight
Contentment is a rare jewel, but it cannot be obtained through direct pursuit. It is always a byproduct and benefit of pursuing Christ.
Bible In A Year
- Song of Solomon 1-2
- Psalm 69
- John 9
