Thou shalt not...covet

Happy Sunday!

Exodus 20:17 says, "You are not to covet what your neighbor has or set your heart on getting his house, his wife, his male or female servants, his ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor."(Voice).

Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III, began a new series entitled, "Me vs. Me".  In this age of technology, social media, and reality television shows we are able to take a peek into the lives of others.  Do you remember when "The Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous was on television?  We rushed home or set our VCR's to record the incredible luxury that famous people enjoyed.  The host, Robin Leach lured us in with tidbits about the featured guests.  We curiously awaited the details and dreamed of having some or all of these things ourselves.  Perhaps, you are a bit younger, and remember MTV Cribs.  The point was the same.  Rather than provide the information to the viewer in a positive light, for instance..."Look at what is possible for God to bless you with, or what is possible for you to have.  These shows encouraged envy, and covetousness.  Oh, you may not think it affected you, but it did.  

Covetousness is not one of the sins we generally focus on.  If I asked you to recite the 10 Commandments, you may even forget this one.  But Covetousness is behind most murders, lies, thefts, and idolatry.  Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  Please don't miss this!  God is not against you having things.  3 John 2 says he wants you to prosper above all else, but coveting is not the way.  The previous scripture says, "be content" and it goes on to say why and how you can be content.  It says, "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee".  

God will not forsake you.  When you truly understand how much he loves you, and that he wants the Best for you, there is no need to covet.  If you really want a Rolls-Royce Phantom do what God says to get it.  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(KJV).  Get so busy pleasing God and walking in Faith and nothing will be impossible.  Hebrews 11:6 says, "It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he CARES enough to respond to those who seek him."(Message).  Another translation of this same scripture says, "But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is REAL and that he rewards everyone who searches for him."(CEV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia