Keeping Up with the Joneses

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Did you know that roughly 15 minutes of every hour-long television show is devoted to commercials? That’s a lot of advertising! If you look closely, you’ll start to notice that commercials don’t sell us things, they sell us an identity!

“If you drive this car, women will find you irresistible.”

“If you use this insurance company, you’ll be rich and powerful.”

“If you wear this makeup line, you’ll be as beautiful and popular as celebrities.”

We have all heard the phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses,” but do we realize how wide-spread and harmful this mindset can be?

It’s natural to take pride in your home, in your car, and even in your appearance, but the problem is when we compromise what’s really important in order to find our identity in those things.

**Love yourself. God does! **

The enemy loves to keep us envious of others, so that he can keep us ignorant of our own blessings and unique spiritual gifts. The enemy wants us to feel like we are not enough, but God tells us that we are so loved that He sent His only begotten son to cleanse us from our sins, and gain admittance to His Kingdom!