Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparison, wishing and desiring the gifts others possess leads only to a life of emptiness.

Deuteronomy 5:21 says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

It seems Roosevelt understood this commandment from the Old Testament. If one’s eyes are fixed on the possessions, the relationships, the opportunities and successes of others instead of what is within one’s own possession, blessings are missed.

The blessings of life can be easily ignored, washed over and discounted when the focus is outward instead of upward. Focus upward builds a heart of gratitude, contentment and joy.

 

Today’s Integrity Moment was adapted with permission from the writings of Family Business Coach, Author, and Addiction Recovery Advocate, Stephanie Winslow.