I read this talk by Elder Holland from back in 2002 titled "The Other Prodigal ''. In the talk he recounts the story of the prodigal son but focuses on the other son. They were really both astray. His downfall is really comparison. Elder Holland says, "One who has heretofore presumably been very happy with his life and content with his good fortune suddenly feels very unhappy simply because another has had some good fortune as well." We can often feel this way in our lives. I'm beautiful until someone more beautiful walks in the room. Or I'm charismatic until someone more charismatic walks in the room. We cannot go on living this way! Elder Holland continues, "Most “thou shalt not” commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves." When we can quit comparing ourselves and coveting others we will find so much more joy in our lives. Pray to see yourself as God sees you and be grateful for the things you have been allotted.
Tyson Burk
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