Wisdom offers a simple reminder for the day:
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Prov 23:17-18)
Envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to the advantages, success, possessions (and so on) of other people. In the age of social media and “reality” TV, it’s never been easier to envy. Our cultural consciousness is consumed in a love-hate relationship with what celebrities are doing, buying, and creating.
Most of us are being shaped by popular culture to a greater degree than we would like to admit. We’d struggle to name three Old Testament prophets, but we can easily list each member of the Kardashian family. We’ve no plans to host a Bible study, but our DVRs are scheduled with dozens of future appointments.
What future is there in such things? That’s the question of God-breathed wisdom. What benefit is borne from filling our hearts with such meaningless clutter?
On the other hand, if you continue in the fear of the Creator all the day, every day, there is a future. There is hope in being shaped by God that will not be cut off. Effort put into developing a disciplined hunger and thirst for righteousness will not be wasted.
Today, be intentional. Let not your heart envy sinners or idolize the empty things of this world. Incline that God-given heart toward what really matters and what will truly endure.