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Many years ago, Tom, the oldest of our five children, fulfilled his lifelong dream to be on Jeopardy. There was a category called “Things that begin with J.” Tom buzzed in quickly, ahead of the others. His answer, although incorrect, reveals something important to all of us about the human condition. Find out what it is in today’s message.

The correct answer was, What is jealousy? Tom, however, with his solid Catholic education, instinctively, inadvertently, and unfortunately answered using the word we often associate with jealousy, when he said, What is envy? In our minds jealousy and envy can seem as if they are nearly identical twins. I could see him instinctively almost reach out with his hand in order to put the word envy back in his mouth. He knew the answer, but his lips said the wrong thing.

Unfortunately, Tom’s answer was incorrect. Alex Trebek was quick to point out Tom’s mistake. Sadly, despite doing very well, he didn’t win the game. But that small moment of confusion between two words that seem so similar offers a profound spiritual insight. Envy and jealousy are not the same thing. And understanding the difference can reveal a lot about the human heart—especially our own.

My wife and I just returned from a month-long RV camping vacation. We were blessed to visit some very beautiful places. We were in Petoskey, MI, Mackinac Island, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard and several other spots. These were stunning destinations rich with history and natural charm. But along with the scenery we saw something else, wealth. Opulence, luxury, multi-million dollar estates lining the coastlines, and yachts bigger than some homes floated offshore. High-end cars glided through quaint towns. It was hard not to notice. And it was even harder to resist a twinge of envy when seeing all of these things.

Lately, billionaires seem to be all over the news. President Donald Trump, a billionaire himself, continues to dominate headlines. Elon Musk is also a news magnet. Jeff Bezos’ recent wedding cost more than most of us will see in a lifetime. In a world where headlines celebrate the excess of the wealthy,  the temptation to be envious is real. It would be easy, even natural, for anyone, especially someone like me, retired, and living on a fixed income, to experience a little envy. But these reactions, while common, can quietly harm our souls, so we must guard against these thoughts.

Let’s pause to examine the difference.

Jealousy typically involves the fear of losing something we already possess—our reputation, our spouse’s affection, our status, or influence. Jealousy says, “That’s mine, and I don’t want to lose it.” God even calls Himself a “jealous God” (Exodus 20:5), meaning He desires our undivided love and doesn’t want us giving our hearts to idols. Jealousy is usually a three-person situation: you, someone you care about, and a perceived rival.

Envy, on the other hand, is darker. It’s the desire for something someone else has—and the resentment that they have it. Envy says, “I want what they have, and I don’t want them to have it either.” Envy not only wants to possess what belongs to another—it wants to see the other person brought down. In that way, envy is the opposite of love. Envy is typically a two-person situation: you and the person who has what you want.

No wonder the Church has long called envy one of the seven deadly sins. It doesn’t just corrode our own peace, it pits us against our neighbor.

And yet, envy often comes dressed in very ordinary clothing. It doesn’t announce itself with malice. It quietly stirs when a friend shows us their vacation photos. It whispers when we see the success of a peer. It lingers when we look at what others have and wish we had it too. It can make us feel a little smaller, a little emptier, or simply, a little less.

But Scripture offers us a better path. Saint Paul tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). And, Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

Envy thrives when we focus on what others have. But it dies when we give thanks for what God has given us, and when we recognize the true riches of our lives: faith, family, friendship, forgiveness, and the presence of Christ.

The truth is, we may not have a yacht, but we have a Savior who calms storms.  We may not own a mansion, but we have a home being prepared for us in heaven. We may not wear designer clothes, but we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

My wife and I are proud of all of our children, including our son who had the opportunity to be on Jeopardy! That memory of being with our son at Sony Picture Studios in Hollywood as he lived out a lifelong dream means more to us than any million-dollar estate ever could.

So, the next time any of us feels envy creeping in, we should stop and say a prayer of gratitude. We need to thank God for what He’s given us. And we should pray for the person we were tempted to envy and ask God to bless them. That small act can flip the script and set our hearts free.

We all know that the riches of this world fade, but the riches of a thankful, joyful heart last forever!

Sticking with our Jeopardy Theme for just one more minute, let’s see if we can all get this one correct.

The Category: Things that begin with J.

Today’s Question: This person is the greatest person to ever live. He is the Savior of the world. He is the only One who can provide you eternal life with the Father.

What is your answer?

If you answered, “Who is Jesus” ……. you are today’s grand prize winner!

Heavenly Father, I am blessed beyond measure. Of all of your many blessings, no blessing is more meaningful than Your Son Jesus and His mercy and forgiveness. Help me always to be content with whatever in life I have and to take delight in You my Lord, for You alone can deliver me and satisfy the desires of my heart. Amen!

AMDG 

 I always love to hear from you. You can email me by clicking here.

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Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

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