I own and post on my personal christian instagram, @jesusismysavior_ and have had it coming up on two years now, right before EGOf's next anniversary. I consider myself one of the more original accounts, back when shoutouts weren't the main focus and competition wasn't tough. Over time I've noticed that its become more of a competition for friends and followers and less about spreading God's love, no matter what people say about it. The christian online community has changed drastically and I can't say I love it. Yes there are still amazing people doing amazing things but the focus has completely changed.
I don't want to make a direct statement or call someone out, but I will say that I struggle with jealously over certain people on christian insta. I look at some girl's accounts that have gained followers rapidly, post cute Lotd's and never get hate, always overly sweet comments, I look at the close knit groups of girls that compliment and have conversations on every post, and regularly post pictures telling people to follow all of their friends. I look at that and I allow jealously to take over my heart. I wish and I wish and I think about what it would be like if I had people falling over my feet. I also take pride and work hard to have the cutest edits and perfect captions and judge myself based on how many comments I get. I watch my follower count drop a few and wonder what I did wrong. Sigh.
This is where I'm wrong. I have to tell myself that I am doing amazing things no matter how many comments or followers I do or don't get. And I do tell myself that. I don't believe it, until God steps in and says, "Look Claire, look what great things you're doing!" This is usually in the form of a sweet comment or DM that says something that makes me realize all over again why I do this. And then the cycle starts over again after a week or so. You know why? Because jealousy and pride are part of life in a world of sin. They shouldn't be, but they are. So lets talk about what they mean and what we can do to prevent them.
jeal·ous·y
ˈjeləsē/nounnoun: jealousy;
plural noun: jealousies
the state or feeling of being jealous.
pride
prīd/nounnoun: pride;
plural noun: prides
a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
Jealousy happens when we wish we had something someone else doesn't have, period. This is talked about as the 10th Commandment in the OT, saying "Do not covet what your neighbor has." So this is important my friends. Preeetttyy important. I get jealous when I see skinnier girls, prettier girls, girls with prettier pictures on their instagram, girls with guy friends, the list goes on. But what I have to keep in mind is all the things I do have, a reality check is often needed per say. Here are my three tips or steps to combat jealousy.
1. Reality Check
We all need one sometimes, lets face it. For example, when I'm stuck comparing myself on christian instagram, I'll often scroll through old photos and look at meaningful and sweet conversations I've had with people. Its always good to let yourself remember to be grateful for all the things you do have, God has given you a hecka lot more than you deserve fyi.. (all of us, not just you aha)
2. Reminder About Others
I also tell myself that everyone is jealous at times. The girl who's hair you wish you had, she wishes she had someone else's hair. That girl with not very many friends is jealous of you standing and talking with your bestfriend (sad but true, I've been there guys). It might look like someone's got everything they want, but I promise you t h e y d o n t. Just think about that.
3. Pray about It
I know, I know. Cliche Cliche Cliche. Duh duh duh. Well guess why its said in every sermon and every christian blog post to ever exist? Because IT WORKS. God opens up and helps you fix your problems when you open your heart and open your mouth and just talk to him. Just try it. Ask Him to free your heart from it's sins and to cleanse your mind from coveting what you don't have.
Thats all for now friends! Tune in soon for part two, when I go deeper into pride and how to handle it. For now, here are some verses to look up on jealousy!
Galatians 5:19-21
Proverbs 27:4
1 Corinthians 3:3
James 3:14-15
Exodus 20:17
Proverbs 14:30
xo, Claire