Stop Comparing. Start Living.

About this sermon

Why is comparison so hard to escape? In this reflection on Psalm 37, John Ortberg explores the hidden power of envy and why it quietly robs us of joy, gratitude, and peace. Drawing on insights from Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John explains the difference between jealousy and envy, why comparison always leaves us feeling deficient, and how God's care frees us from measuring our lives against everyone else's. This episode explores: - Psalm 37 and overcoming envy - Why comparison is so destructive - The difference between jealousy and envy - Biblical stories of envy - Social media and the comparison trap - Living each day under God's loving care Scriptures: - Psalm 37 - Genesis 4 - Genesis 25–30 - Genesis 37 - Matthew 5:5 #Psalm37 #JohnOrtberg #Envy #Comparison #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Contentment #Faith 📚 Today's Resources: Rebecca Konyndyk De Young, Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies Victor Hugo, “L’Avarice et L’Envie,” Le Conservateur littéraire (1819) Pope St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job (~580 CE) Francis Bacon, “Of Envy” (1625) Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., “Harrison Bergeon,” The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Comparison Is Stealing Your Joy 00:36 Psalm 37 Begins 01:09 The External Solution to Envy 01:32 Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron 02:49 Why Equality Doesn't Cure Envy 03:18 Living in God's Kingdom 03:42 Don't Fret or Ruminate 04:02 Delight Yourself in the Lord 04:55 Jealousy vs. Envy 05:48 Why God Is Jealous but Never Envious 06:46 The Bible's Story of Envy 07:33 Envy Begins With Deficiency 08:05 An Envy Self-Assessment 09:16 Victor Hugo's Story of Envy 09:56 How Envy Shows Itself 10:56 Social Media & Comparison 11:32 Spending Your Days Under God's Care 12:13 Live an Envy-Free Day