Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant;I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pain; their bodies are sound and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not plagued like other people. (Psalm 73: 1-5)

Each generation and each personality has its own objects of envy: athletes, musicians, movie stars, artists, architects or whatever. We envy those who seem to have found their most powerful, creative, and honest selves.

It is reported that John Lennon envied the Rolling Stones. Lennon felt trapped in a set of expectations that were not his own. He perceived that Mick and the Stones were the real thing.

Our celebrity culture reflects a fundamental human desire for raw authenticity, a fierce engagment with reality, and a boldness we too often do not allow ourselves. In many cases our envy is badly placed. Those we admire can be carefully constructed illusions.

We should give our envy its due. But instead of living vicariously we should seek to live more and more coherently with our real self, our bold self, our righteous self.

God's intention for you and me is not an illusion. It is always an adventure. Rather than envy others, we should engage God and become fully our selves.

Above is the Rolling Stones by Henk Veen.