Understanding the Real Danger of Covetousness
We rarely use the term covet in our modern vernacular today. Is the reason because we’ve overcome the temptation to covet or is it something else? In this episode, we discuss the real danger of coveting, why God opposes it, and why it’s so important for us to resist and overcome the temptation to covet.
Show Notes
Covetousness defined - The desire for wealth or possessions or for another’s possessions; a craving to have that which belongs to another.
Forbid by One of the Ten Commandments
Forbids coveting anything that belongs to a neighbor, including his house, his wife, his servants, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to him. (Exodus 20:17).
Covetousness is idolatry
The desire for possessions can easily become all-consuming and therefore takes control of a person’s life in a way that only God should.
Covetousness is destructive! It’s not only the act that seeks to get more, it is the thought process which takes control of our lives and leads us away from our devotion to God.
Coveting/obsessing over someone’s:
Career/job - God has a purpose and calling for your life (Jeremiah 29:11)
Wealth/assets - God has promised to provide what you “need.” (Matthew 6:33)
Looks - You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps 139:14)
Relationship (spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend) - God desires for you to have healthy relationships (Gen 2:18; Prov. 27:17)
Supporting Scriptures:
Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [b]homosexuals, nor [c]sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Questions to Ponder:
Why is God so against covetousness?
Does obedience to not covet mean we should not pursue success and wealth?
As it relates to money, how do we keep from becoming covetous when the world has so much to be desired?
