From today’s reading...
‘You shall not set your heart on your neighbour's house. You shall not set your heart on your neighbour's spouse, or servant, man or woman, or ox, or donkey, or any of your neighbour's possessions.’” Exodus 20:17
Keeping up with the Joneses leads one to live an empty, bitter life then die unhappy, alone, and unfulfilled because you pursued that which is fleeting and incapable of being obtained.
Now, that’s not to say you shouldn’t set goals to grow. Maybe seeing your neighbor move into a bigger home inspires you to become more productive and efficient at your work, thereby earning more money for the same 40-hour workweek, which means you help more customers, your boss, your company, yourself, and your family.
But that’s not the same as being jealous or envious of your neighbor. You’re not seeking to take his actual home or wife or car or TV.
Be happy for those around you who are happy. Use their happiness to inspire you to emulate them to achieve your own happiness, but set your heart on following God’s commandments, since that’s the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.
