"You must not be envious of your neighbor's house, or want to sleep with his wife, or want to own his slaves, oxen, donkeys, or anything else he has." Exodus 20:17

Contentment can feel fleetingly seasonal, like a warm PSL, can't it? We all know that comparison and jealously take us nowhere beneficial. We understand our worth, formed uniquely and perfectly by the hand of God. Why then do covetous thoughts and bitter envy slink their way into our minds so quickly and without warning?

That's the very question I mulled over this past weekend. Our family spent the day at a magnificent pumpkin patch. I'm not a fan of the haunted house gig, so while the other brave souls took their wits to get scared out, I found a quiet picnic table and sipped hot cider while I watched people enjoy the festivities. Innocuous and charming by all appearances. While I sat, I watched women come and go. My thoughts started harmless enough. "Oh, how cute, look at her darling fall outfit," I thought.

Here's the rub with thoughts, though. Left unchecked, the Enemy will strike like a prowling lion. Without warning, there was a shift, and my innocent thoughts began to sound more like:

"Wow, look at her hair, what I wouldn't give for that hair. My hair is driving me crazy."

"She's my age, but her skin is perfect! I better start spending more money on this anti-aging thing."

"Dang, those jeans fit her like a glove. I hate how I look in jeans. I wish I looked that like!"

Holy sharp opinion plummet, Batman! I wasn't consciously feeling discontent or particularly pouty about my appearance. I would have told you I was in a "good" self-image space if you'd asked me. The comparative thoughts just come like needy, pushy, rude, uninvited guests and make themselves at home. Almost certainly, my family returned to a momma in a more solemn disposition. So sadly unwarranted.

So, what's a Jesus girl to do to avoid this kind of tumble? Two words – diligent vigilance! Throughout scripture, we are always warned to stay alert. Like a soldier constantly poised for battle, so must our minds stand at attention. We do this as we guard both heart and mind in Christ Jesus. The moment you detect the Enemy encroaching, draw your sword, and speak fighting truth! How different would my tableside excursion have been if, at the first comparative thought, I'd taken a detour? When those thoughts come knocking, immediately, intentionally take a sharp turn to renew your mind.

Lord, am I now seeking the approval of man or God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Would you please keep me far from all covetous, comparative thoughts that threaten my peace and my joy? In Jesus' name, amen. (Galatians 1:10 ESV)