How much of what you do and have is to keep up with those around you?

Why do you feel the “need” to have that latest smartphone?
Why do you have to have that purse?
Why do you look at what others with similar experience and education are earning?
Why do you look at what other kids are into and sign up your kids for it, too?
Are we not really motivated by envy – desiring what our friends have to keep up with them? If we are willing to be honest with ourselves, much of what we have acquired is really to have what our friends and neighbors have.
 
“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4
 
Isn’t it amazing that this was written thousands of year ago? Whether it’s wanting the neighbor’s cowshed or an SUV, we want it for the same reason. We want to keep up! We want what they have! And unless we have what they have, we won’t be happy!
Isn’t this why a millionaire is unhappy because he’s running around in the same circle as billionaires? Isn’t this why billionaires won’t retire and enjoy their money because it’s no longer about the money but simply to have more than his neighbors? (Or to keep up)
 
I have to admit that even some pastors are motivated by envy – to have a church as big or bigger than those of his friends’. (Pray that this won’t be me!)
 
What we are wanting is way too small. Just to have what our neighbors have? Why? When God promises us inheritance as His children! He wants to give us the world and what we want is a better gadget.
 
Let Christ be your treasure. May you find your satisfaction in Him and not having kept up with your friends.
 
PH