Message Minute (The Check Engine Light)

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

Envy is a check engine light for the soul. It's that nagging feeling that what you have isn't enough—that somehow you're missing out on what everyone else has. During the holidays, this feeling intensifies as we scroll through picture-perfect family photos and elaborate celebrations that make our own lives feel inadequate.

But here's the thing: envy doesn't just make us want more. It rots us from the inside out. Solomon said it "rots the bones," destroying our ability to enjoy anything we actually have. Notice how you can't appreciate your blessings when you're busy comparing them to someone else's highlight reel?

The Israelites experienced this in the wilderness. God provided manna—literal bread from heaven—yet they complained it wasn't enough. They wanted what they didn't have and lost their appetite for what God had given them. Their souls dried up, not because they lacked provision, but because comparison stole their contentment.

Reflect: What blessings in your life have you stopped enjoying because you're comparing them to what others have?

Prayer: God, help me recognize envy's warning signs in my heart. Open my eyes to the good things You've already given me. Don't let comparison steal the joy of Your provision. Teach me to appreciate what's in front of me instead of longing for what's in someone else's life. Amen.