Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
As I walked along the vegetable aisle at the local grocery store, I searched for a red pepper. The one I found shone with a healthy red color and felt firm to the touch. I held it up, and the skin appeared perfect, not one blemish, and the stem still held its green color.
I’d found the perfect red pepper. After I arrived home, I
set out the vegetables I wanted in my salad. I chopped the broccoli into small
sections, cut up some carrots and celery, and sliced a few olives in half. Then
I prepared to cut into that beautiful pepper.
The knife slid through the skin and pulp and the pepper fell
open. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Rot. The entire inside of the perfect red
pepper was covered in mold. I’m sure you’ve guessed—I threw it in the garbage.
I couldn’t eat a rotten red pepper. Disappointment filled me. I had looked
forward to the flavor it would add to my salad.
The pepper reminded me of social media. We tend to put our
best foot forward, share pictures of what appears to be a somewhat perfect
life, yet in reality, no one has a perfect life. There’s not a thing wrong with
sharing the positive and uplifting days. It’s encouraging, but I have to remember
that everyone else goes through trials and difficulties. I guard against the
envy I might feel for what others have or do by inviting God’s peace and
contentment into my heart.
Instead of projecting a perfect appearance, I try to be
myself. Whether on social media or in person, if you meet me, you’ll likely see
warts and all. I don’t want to be the person who looks perfect on the outside
but is rotting inside. I’d rather be my imperfect self and have the love of
Jesus in my heart and the Holy Spirit in my soul so I might have a peace filled
life.
Have a heart at peace by loving Jesus.