Old School Problem

 James 3:14-15

In a recent Time Magazine article, it was revealed that of the main social media networks, Instagram is the worst in terms of it's mental health impact on teens and young adults. While some may think that this is only a modern day problem because social media is a relatively new invention, the reality is the Bible speaks directly to this topic. In our reading today, James continues to describe what it means to be "successful at godliness". In our reading, he notes the fact that believers in the first century were harboring envy and selfish ambition in their hearts. These are really two sides of the same coin. Jealousy or envy is wanting something that someone else already has. Selfish ambition is the desire to have something that someone else doesn't have yet (think rivalry). Both of these hurts of the heart stem from the same root... the desire to define the quality of one's life by comparing it to others! This is exactly what we are finding out Instagram is doing to young people. The need to define one's life as good or bad, enjoyable or boring, even worthy or unworthy by comparing it to others is not a new thing. This problem has been around for a long time. We have just given it a new name a new face with social media enabled cameras in our pockets and purses. Notice what James says in the next sentence... this "wisdom" or the "experience of defining the quality of one's life by comparing it to others" is not godly and is even demonic! That's pretty harsh words coming from the half-brother of the Savior Himself. We must remember as disciples of Jesus, we are not to define our lives comparing ourselves to those around us. We are to measure ourselves to His example and strive to live according to His calling. 

Prayer: 
My Savior and King, thank You for saving me from my sin. I could never have done it on my own. Thank You for calling me Your own. Thank You for giving me a way out of the comparison cycle. Please help me to see myself as You see me and resist the temptation of comparison. Amen. 

Reflection: 
How much of your life do you define as "good" because of the way it compares to others? 
Ok... now be brutally honest... what parts did you skip?