Thou shalt not covet

All of the ten commandments are pretty strait forward. There is not much interpretation to "thou shalt not kill." But we know that when Christ came, He taught a higher law. "Thou shalt not kill" prompted teachings about avoiding anger and judgment.

It's my feeling that the higher law for "thou shalt not covet" is "thou shalt not compare." Coveting implies seeing something and desiring it so much that you'd do almost anything to get it. I doubt many of us go to that extreme. But, I do look upon someone's possessions, qualities, or situation and compare them to my own-- which comparison leads to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or pride. And could ultimately lead to covetousness.

A couple weekends ago I was showing my sisters a blog of a lady I've been comparing myself too. I don't know her personally, but via her blog she seems practically perfect. She's beautiful, talented, wealthy, spiritual, accomplished, skinny, and strong. She has trials in her life, but she seems to handle them with faith and determination. And even when she admits her personal short-comings it makes her seem even more perfect because it shows that she's humble. In showing my sisters the blog they didn't seem quite as impressed as I was. And finally Abbi said, "I've come to the conclusion that someone will always be prettier than me. And more talented. And more spiritual. And more popular. And have a better blog...." At first we laughed, but then I realized the truth in Abbi's comment. There will ALWAYS be someone better. So unless I am a machinists and want to continually torment myself with messages of "you're not good enough..." I think it's in my best interest to stop comparing myself to others. Not easy. But it is a higher law I hope to strive for.

And to help buoy up my commitment I re-read Elder Jeffery R. Holland's conference address, "The Other Prodigal." In it he reminds us that "No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another." He says, "I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all." And later he says, "All are privileged, the one like unto the other. Walk peacefully. Walk confidently. Walk without fear and without envy. Be reassured of Heavenly Father’s abundance to you always. As we do this, we can help others, calling down blessings on them even as they make supplication for us. We can cheer every talent and ability, wherever it is bestowed, thus making life here more nearly what it will be like in heaven."

Even though God does not bless us all in the same ways, when we seek His will and strive to follow His path, He gives us exactly what we need. In comparing myself to others I'm essentially saying, "Lord, what you've given me is not right. See that person over there? I want you to do it like that." But what folly that would be! I would miss out on the abundance that God has given me. And the opportunities that are uniquely mine.