Coveting
Posted on May 19, 2009 by Buddy Champion
Let’s be very honest. We have all done it and some of us have a doctorate in this field of study! Recently I was riding down the road and on my right I noticed a beautiful 1968 Camaro! It was a bright, glossy orange and looked to be in pristine condition. I nearly wrecked! On top of that it was a convertible…. And then it began in my mind: coveting. I wish, I want, why not and on and on. We have all been there. It may be a job, a car, a house, vacation, income, or even someone else’s spouse! You remember that coveting was one of the “big ten” don’t you? It is not something we have made up in this century alone. It is an age old problem.
Is it really a problem? Is it really wrong…a sin? The answer: Yes and No. You see, coveting is just goals, passions and vision that have gotten lazy. The problem is we want something someone else has and we want it NOW. That is unbiblical and lazy. There are a multitude of verses that speak of hard work, vision, dreams and diligence that teaches us that all of this is good.
One day Lynn and I will go out and buy a rusty old bag of bolts. A few years later it will turn into a pristine muscle car that will be a blast to ride around town with the top down on a beautiful summer evening. That is a dream that will come true after more hard work (so we can afford it) and hours of “therapy” as the transformation takes place.
So do you want a better house? Then go to work so that one day you can afford one. Do you want to have a lifestyle of giving? Then make changes in your lifestyle and live within your means. Do you want a better spouse? Then love that person like Ephesians 5 teaches and you will be amazed at how beautiful they become. Do you want a better job? Then get your education, work hard, and it will come. Do you want to be more like Christ? Study His Word … do it … and He will shine through your life. Do you want … well you get the point!
Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!