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COVETOUSNESS -means having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically belonging to someone else. Surprisingly, I can’t remember hearing a lot of sermons on covetousness. Perhaps it’s because the US is a capitalist and consumption oriented society whose advertising dollars go toward making us feel like what we have is not enough. We are conditioned not only to want more, but to endlessly compare ourselves, find ourselves lacking, and yearn enviously for what others have.
Isn’t that what social media is about? We share our best accomplishments, wax wise with other people’s quotes, post pretty vacation photos, then evaluate our social status by likes, loves and wows. We watch entertainment news and envy the riches of sports figures, movie stars and moguls. Reunions are more about who’s accomplished what and who has aged the best, than reminiscing.
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It would seem in Christian circles we’d hear more about coveting. I mean this sin did make God’s top ten list! In fact, it was His last commandment, and He went into great specifics.“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbors wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17) Jesus instructed His disciples, “Take care and be on your guard against covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) Be grateful for God’s blessing.
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Covetousness reveals itself in more than material things. We covet the status of others. We covet the favor and attention one sibling, co-worker, pastor, church soloist, etc. gets. We desire the opportunities and education someone else has achieved, or wish we could have their looks or physique. Coveting is a slippery slope of pride and insecurity. Paul listed it among the vices we are to put to death (Col. 3:5). He challenges us to “let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Stop looking over your shoulder at what others have or are doing. Be faithful to what He’s called you to do and stay in your lane, that is enough!
