10th of the Ten Commandments
Let me emphasize that covetousness or coveting is an internal “longing” for what we don’t have. Look back at how Paul equated materialism with idolatry in Colossians 3:5 KJV:
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
As believers, our flesh is still hard-wired to be covetous.
Longing for Things is Idolatry
Remember that God has said that coveting is like idolatry. Just as hate amounts to murder in I John 3:15;
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
and lust amounts to adultery in Mat 5:28, so greed, coveting, and selfishness with things amounts to idol-worship.
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Look onward to the very last word the Apostle John was told to give to the churches in his First Epistle.
It is 1 John 5:21:
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen
What are idols? Idols are “things” we elevate to the place only God is to have.
What exactly is John talking about? Earlier in 1 John he uses the same word Peter was instructed to use. What God is going to burn up is what we are not to long for.
Look at 1 John 2:15-17:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Just like Lot’s wife, when we long for what God has already said He is going to destroy, we displease Him.
So what is the first lesson Peter gives? Look back at 2 Peter 3:10-11.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
God said we keep our lives from suffering loss, from having the legacy of our life destroyed: Beware of Materialism.
By living for what lasts v. 10 or what do we have that won’t burn!
By living for what pleases Him v. 11 so we won’t be ashamed when He shows up unexpectedly!
What is Materialism or Coveting in 21st Century Terms?
Do you remember the 10th of the Ten Commandments? Almost all of us at one time or another, have learned these words. Why not repeat the 10th commandment with me now:
Exodus 20:17 KJV:
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
In 21st Century terms, God is saying watch out for six dangerous desires that can ruin your life, destroy your eternal legacy, and pierce you through with many pains:
• “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house”.
Don’t long for all the bigger, better, beautiful, spacious, comfortable houses you’ve seen and don’t have.
Don’t wish for it, or get a second job to earn more money for it, or spend all your time looking for it: because that is idolatry!
Be content with the house you have; and use all your extra time to serve Me, says the Lord, instead of longing for a bigger and better house.
• “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife”.
Men that means don’t long for all the externally looking prettier, skinnier, younger women you’ve noticed in life. Women that means don’t long for the stronger, handsomer, kinder, more caring, more athletic and in shape men that you have noticed along the way.
“Only one life to live and soon is past
Only what’s done for Christ will last!”
Hoping to make the time I have left count for the glory of God.
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10th of the Ten Commandments
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