Ancient Wisdom for a Modern Feed

"And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NIV)

Long before hashtags and highlight reels, humanity wrestled with the same ache to measure up. Solomon, with all his wisdom and wealth, called it what it is: exhausting yourself for something you can never catch. Comparison isn’t a modern glitch—it’s an ancient trap. And if the wisest man in history couldn’t find satisfaction by stacking himself against others, why would we think scrolling through spiritual influencers will leave us feeling full?

God isn't scrolling your feed—He's searching your heart. As Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) reminds us, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Chasing someone else’s calling won’t bring you health or joy. Only peace will.

Solomon wasn't the only one who struggled in ancient days, even the great saints had to decide what kind of life they would build. St. Francis of Assisi, born into privilege and prestige, walked away from it all to follow Christ in radical simplicity. He once said, "Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self." His life wasn’t about outshining others—it was about laying down his need to be impressive so that Christ could shine through.

At the end of his life, Francis looked back not with regret, but with quiet joy—grateful that he had traded applause and attention for the lasting delight of walking with Christ. Witnesses described him as overflowing with joy in his final hours, singing hymns of praise, especially the words of Psalm 142, a psalm of trust and desperate hope. Even as he faced death, Francis chose worship over worry, offering back the very breath God had given him.

The world’s likes will fade. Double-tapping doesn't last forever. Usually no more than a day. But God’s delight endures. You don't have to be afraid of missing out by comparing yourself to others. You’re not late. You’re not behind.

You’re not "less-than-spiritual-enough." You are exactly where God’s love already holds you — seen and known. This is your race to run. God’s not asking you to hustle harder—He’s just asking you to hang close, (no hashtags required.)

Prayer:

Jesus, remind me what matters most. Help me slow down and focus on my relationship with You, and trust that You who began a good work in me, will complete it. I love You. In Your name, I pray.