Become New with John Ortberg 6. How Comparison Turns Into Condemnation
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Jan 27, 2026 A look at how sizing ourselves up against others quietly becomes condemnation. Insights from social psychology, René Girard, and Bible stories trace how comparative desire sparks rivalry and envy. Modern pressures like social media and prestige competition are explored. A contrast is offered: adopting a different kind of desire centered on love and mercy.
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Desire Is The Root Problem
- René Girard reframes the Ten Commandments by locating the root problem in desire rather than isolated acts.
- The Tenth Commandment targets universal desire that fuels theft, adultery, violence, and reputation attacks.
Child's Toy Shows Early Envy
- John Ortberg uses a child's reaction to a simple rubber ball to show how comparative desire appears early.
- The child wants what the neighbor has despite already owning many toys.
Comparison Drives Institutional Competition
- Comparative desire scales up into institutions and hierarchies, producing competition and anxiety.
- Ortberg links grade inflation and competition for prestige to comparative desire's social effects.
