By Katie Stevenson
Have you ever been scrolling through social media and suddenly found yourself feeling a little… dissatisfied? Maybe you see someone’s shiny new car or their Instagram-perfect home and think, Why can’t I have that? It’s a feeling we all know too well. We live in a world that constantly invites us to compare, and the phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses” has only gotten stronger in the age of digital media. But as Christians, we’re called to flip the script on that comparison game—choosing gratitude, contentment, and trust in God’s provision instead.
It used to be that keeping up with the Joneses was all about your literal neighbors—what you could see right outside your front door. You’d drive by and notice the new car in their driveway or peek into their perfectly tidy house and think, Wow, how do they do it all? Maybe you’d even catch yourself wondering why your own house didn’t look quite as put together, or why your car wasn’t quite as fancy.
In the past, this kind of comparison was local—limited to what you could see in your neighborhood. You had to actually know your neighbours. But now? The digital world has made comparisons constant. Our phones are flooded with images of “perfect” lives—people we’ve never met, living in homes that look like they belong in magazines or looking flawless in every picture. It's easy to start thinking, Why doesn’t my life look like that?
Gone are the days when you’d only see what your neighbours had on your block. Now, thanks to social media, we’re constantly bombarded with snapshots of what everyone wants us to see. Think about it—perfectly posed photos of influencers with flawless skin and homes that look like they were designed by professionals. But here’s the catch: what you see online isn’t the full picture. It’s the curated, filtered, and edited version of reality. When you compare your real life to what you see on a screen, it is not a balanced scale. You are comparing real life with performance.
Next time you come across that gorgeous home or influencer you’re envying, try this: imagine the laundry piled up just out of frame, the sink full of dishes, the toys scattered all over the floor, or that the perfect mother smiling serenely in the photo probably hasn’t cut her children’s toenails in far too long. It’s a reminder that no one’s life is as perfect as it may seem. We can’t let ourselves be fooled into thinking these polished moments are the whole story.
Here’s the thing: constantly comparing ourselves to others isn’t just mentally exhausting—it can affect us deeply. It chips away at our peace and well-being. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” That's a strong image, right? Envy slowly eats away at our joy and leaves us feeling restless, like we’re constantly reaching for something we’ll never quite grab.
This dissatisfaction also takes a toll on our relationships. When we’re so focused on what others have or are doing, we forget to appreciate the good in our own lives. It can make us feel resentful, or worse, lead us to distance ourselves from people we care about. But the Bible encourages us to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Instead of letting someone else’s success make us feel small, we’re called to celebrate their victories. That shift in mindset strengthens our relationships and creates a more joyful and supportive environment for everyone.
And, here’s the kicker: this constant dissatisfaction can also distract us from God’s plan for us. We get so fixated on what we think we need or want that we lose sight of the blessings right in front of us. Philippians 4:11-13 reminds us that true contentment comes not from our circumstances, but from our trust in God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we trust that God has us exactly where He wants us, we begin to experience peace that goes beyond our external circumstances.
As Christians, we’re called to be content with what God has already given us. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Our worth isn’t found in things or achievements—it’s found in Christ.
So why does it still sting when we see others with what we think we need? Why do we feel less than when someone else reaches a milestone we’re still working toward? It’s because we’re human, and our natural tendency is to want more—more possessions, more success, more recognition. But that craving for more often leaves us empty because the things of this world can’t fill the deeper longing in our hearts.
Instead, God calls us to rejoice in what we already have. When we see someone else succeeding, instead of feeling bitter, we can choose to celebrate their wins and reflect on our own blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” Let’s be the kind of people who lift others up, instead of letting their victories make us feel inferior.
Here’s a challenge for you: next time you find yourself feeling like you’re falling behind, stop and reframe your thoughts. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take a moment to appreciate what you do. Maybe your car isn’t brand new, but it’s paid off and reliable. Maybe your house isn’t perfect, but it’s filled with love and warmth. Maybe your career doesn’t look like someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t meaningful.
When you feel envious, try this: Say to yourself, “I admire you for what you’ve achieved. I’m excited for you!” Then, take a minute to remind yourself of the ways God has already blessed you. Be content in this season, trusting that God loves you and that He is with you every step of the way.
Contentment is Found in Christ, Not in Comparisons
At the end of the day, no matter how much we accomplish or accumulate, true contentment isn’t found in things—it’s found in Christ. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our hearts should be focused on the eternal, not on the temporary things that we see around us.
It’s not wrong to dream big or work hard for a purpose. But as we chase those goals, let’s take a step back and ask: What’s motivating me? Am I looking for fulfillment in the things of this world, or am I trusting God to provide exactly what I need, wherever I am?
In a world that constantly encourages us to compare ourselves to others, let’s choose gratitude instead. Let’s remember that God has uniquely gifted each of us, and our value isn’t found in what we own or what we achieve. True joy comes from being content with what God has already given us and trusting that He will continue to provide.
So, the next time you feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses—whether in person or online—choose to celebrate their victories, while also celebrating the blessings God has given you. Put down your phone, step away from the comparison trap, and look around at the real life in front of you. Be present with the people in your life, enjoy the moments that matter, and remember that true contentment isn’t about what you have or don’t have. It’s about trusting in the One who provides all things and finding peace in His perfect plan.
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