It’s a weird feeling when you notice someone else’s wealth and feel envy creeping in, isn’t it? I hope you’re immune from that, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel it when someone I know upgrades her home or posts his extravagant vacation on social media.

I forget God’s many warnings and wise words about money so easily. “Cast but a glance at riches,” Proverbs 23:5 says, “and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Psalm 49:16,17 encourages, “Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die.” 

We all know that life is nothing compared to eternity and we can’t take our stuff with us. But we live as if that’s not the case. We get absorbed with wealth and possessions. We turn good gifts God gives others into something to envy. We turn the good gifts he’s given to us into cause for discontent because they could be better. 

I’ve got so far to go, but I’ve found a couple things to be helpful with this. One is keeping my eyes on the truths in God’s Word and away from the stuff that skews my priorities (for me, home decorating shows, certain Instagram accounts or magazines, etc.). Another is admitting to God that I can’t overcome this on my own, asking for his help with contentment, and resting in the peace that Jesus’ perfection covers all my failures.