I’ve done my fair share of blocking on Instagram. Whether it’s people from my past who I don’t want in my future or people I don’t know who follow me and make me feel uncomfortable, I’m not scared to block on Instagram. And just recently, someone new got added to my “Blocked” list. Not because they are from my past. Not because they follow me. This person doesn’t even know I exist. So, why did I block them? Because of Instagram jealousy. Because every single time I looked at her posts, all I could see were the things she has that I want but don’t have. And in complete honesty, it always made me feel really sad, disappointed, and even angry.
The person I’m talking about is Sadie Robertson Huff. You might know her from the show Duck Dynasty. She is now a popular Christian speaker, author, and influencer. And she’s done absolutely nothing wrong on her Instagram page. She shares about the great things in her life, but she is also transparent about her struggles. And I know she inspires many people; they find Jesus because of her and experience a better life because of her hopeful messages. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.
The Dangers of Jealousy and Why I Block on Instagram
The Bible is very clear about the dangers of jealousy. It is not a positive emotion. It doesn’t spur you on to good or better things. It doesn’t motivate you because how can you feel motivated to accomplish more while feeling defeated for not achieving enough?
Because I realized I always felt worse about myself, my business, my relationships, and my life after viewing her posts, I decided to unfollow her. But she would still pop up on my Instagram “Explore” page. And there’s something about her life that intrigues me, so I always clicked to read more. Before I knew it, I’d be weeks deep in her Instagram feed, back to wishing aspects of my life looked like hers and hating that they didn’t. Jealousy would see an opportunity and come rushing in like a raging storm.
Now, it’s not Sadie’s responsibility to stop sharing about her life so I don’t get jealous. That’s just silly. People can share whatever they want, and it’s great that God has blessed her in so many ways. It’s my responsibility to identify something that is not benefitting my life and stop interacting with it. It’s my responsibility to stop doing things that make me feel jealous. It’s my responsibility to block on Instagram.
Is There Such a Thing as Healthy Jealousy?
At first thought, it might seem like a little bit of jealousy is a good thing. For example, if you are jealous your boyfriend is talking to another girl, that means you care. Right? Or if you envy someone’s success, it’ll make you work harder for yours. Won’t it? While some scientific studies may say mild jealousy can be healthy, all I can base my truth on is what the Bible says and my experience with jealousy.
And with both of those things in mind, the answer is no. Not even a little bit of jealousy is a good thing.
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?
The Bible has quite a bit to say about jealousy and why we should avoid it at all costs. Here are three scriptures that speak to the dangers of jealousy and how it can ruin relationships.
James 3:14-16
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Jealousy and envy are unspiritual and demonic; they lead to disorder and evil.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Jealousy is like a cancer; it spreads and destroys everything in its path.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
Jealousy is destructive to your life, your well-being, and your relationships.
So, according to just three things the Bible has to say about jealousy – and there are a lot more than that – even a little jealousy is detrimental to your life. It is clearly something to be taken seriously, which is why I finally had to block Sadie on Instagram.
Should You Block Someone on Instagram?
Why am I telling you this? Because I want to encourage you to stop doing things that make you jealous. Stop following people on Instagram if you feel bad about yourself every time you see their posts. If someone or something makes you feel like you aren’t skinny enough, successful enough, happy enough, rich enough, or anything else, stop interacting with that person or thing. Being jealous isn’t going to make you rich, happy, or skinny. Working hard, focusing on your mental health, and prioritizing your fitness journey will. Focus on those things instead, and let your hopes and dreams be your motivating factor instead of allowing Instagram jealousy to suppress your joy.
