You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbour's Possessions: A Lesson on Contentment
Coveting is a concept that appears throughout Scripture, most notably in the Tenth Commandment: "You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour" (Exodus 20:17). But what does it really mean to covet, and why is it so significant? Let’s explore this timeless lesson and discover what it teaches us about contentment.
What Does It Mean to Covet?
To covet means to have an intense desire for something that belongs to someone else. It goes beyond admiration or healthy ambition—it involves a sense of longing that can lead to resentment, envy, and unhealthy actions. Unlike simply wanting something, coveting is rooted in discontentment and a lack of trust in God’s provision.
Coveting Began in the Garden of Eden
The first instance of coveting occurred in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve, though living in paradise with everything they needed, were tempted by the forbidden fruit because they desired what they could not have (Genesis 3). Their choice to covet and take what God had forbidden led to the fall of humanity, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked desires.
Famous Coveters in the Bible
The Bible provides several examples of individuals who succumbed to covetous desires, each facing severe consequences:
• Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27): Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, coveted the wealth offered to his master by Naaman. His dishonesty and greed resulted in him being struck with leprosy.
• The Rich Fool (Luke 12:15-21): Jesus told the parable of a wealthy man who hoarded his possessions, believing they would secure his future. God called him a fool, as his life ended suddenly, and his wealth became meaningless.
• Felix (Acts 24:26): The Roman governor Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul, allowing his covetous desires to cloud his judgment and delay justice.
• Demas (2 Timothy 4:10): Paul’s companion Demas abandoned his ministry because he loved the world, illustrating how coveting worldly pleasures can lead to spiritual downfall.
Are All Desires Wrong?
Not all desires are sinful. It is natural to wish for a better life, good relationships, or personal achievements. However, the difference lies in the heart’s motivation. When desires lead to envy, greed, or discontentment, they become harmful. Scripture encourages us to pursue godly desires—those that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him.
The Tenth Commandment in Today’s World
The Tenth Commandment remains relevant in modern society, where consumer culture constantly tempts us to covet what others have. Consider these examples:
• Commercials and Advertising: Marketing often creates a sense of dissatisfaction, convincing us that we need the latest products to be happy.
• Lotteries and Gambling: The allure of quick wealth can lead to coveting money, fostering greed and poor financial choices.
• TV Game Shows: The desire to win prizes can stir envy and an unhealthy focus on material gain.
The Apostle Paul's Teachings on Contentment
The Apostle Paul offers practical wisdom for overcoming covetousness by cultivating contentment:
• 1 Timothy 6:6-10: Paul reminds us that "godliness with contentment is great gain" and warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. True wealth lies in being satisfied with what we have.
• Philippians 4:11-13: Paul shares his personal experience, stating that he has learned to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or need. His strength comes from Christ, who empowers him to face all circumstances.
Conclusion
The Tenth Commandment challenges us to examine our hearts and find contentment in God’s provision. By resisting the urge to covet and focusing on what truly matters, we can experience greater peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment. Let us follow Paul’s example and learn to say with confidence, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12).
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Based on a lesson given to our Karen Zoom class
