One of the challenges of being a Christian in the United States is that we all have so much. Maybe that seems like an odd challenge, but in a country of abundance it's easy to compare yourself to others. Who has the nicer home? Better car? Great wardrobe? Latest iPhone? Biggest TV? Perfect family? Best singing voice? Most artistic? Most athletic? An endless number of items and personal traits to compare ourselves against others. More often than not, our comparing leads to jealousy. God doesn't want our hearts to be jealous towards other people. By intentionally stopping the comparison game, we can curb our jealousy and allow ourselves the freedom to rejoice in what God has given us versus being jealous about what He has given to others. Our jealousy can be replaced with contentment in this life. And our hope for the future is secure as our eternal home will be so much greater than what anyone on Earth has right now. And I'm guessing by the time we get to heaven all the sinful jealousy will be gone.

Proverbs 23:17-18 (NLV)¹⁷ Do not let your heart be jealous of sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. ¹⁸ For sure there is a future and your hope will not be cut off.