In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He warned against worrying about what we will eat and wear. For many of us, these are not daily concerns. Oh no. We’ve replaced those concerns with others that are far more foolish.

Ramped up by prosperity, worries have graduated to a whole new level. Today, many are concerned instead with the brand labels on clothing, shoes, and accessories. Instead of worrying about whether we’ll eat, we’re overwhelmed with reading food labels, considering crazy diets, counting calories, and avoiding carbs. Or we swing the pendulum in the opposite direction and overindulge with eating and drinking.

Our focus is on self. We want others to notice us. Self-obsession is rampant. We’re stuck in the unit we studied in kindergarten called “All About Me.”

As a test, let’s listen to our conversations. Are we concerned about others or bragging about ourselves, our family, our job, our trips, our accomplishments, or our latest purchases or acquisitions? Do we listen intently while others are sharing, or are we thinking about how we can top their story? Are we sizing up a person’s worth by totaling the cost of their jewelry, shoes, and clothing, or demonstrating love, respect, and acceptance simply because they are a person?

The apostle John warns, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

May we replace comparing and competing with contentment and concern for others. And may our focus be on our greatest treasure, living for Jesus.