In the times we are living in most people break this one commandment and don’t even think anything of it. What is this law from God that is so important? It is covetousness. And what does it mean to covet? It means to lust after other people’s spouses or even desire those who are single while married. It means to yearn for something that other people and places have for our own. This commandment reads, “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.” (Exodus 20:17) After reading this, think to yourself, “am I obeying God ‘s tenth commandment, which is to not covet?” If the answer is no, then let’s see if you are also disobeying Jesus. The Lord said, “take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) Again, many people think that the ten commandments are not for us today, but as I have shown in the previous nine messages on the last nine commandments, they are still very important. All we need to do is look at the ten commandments and see if they are still taught in the New Testament, which they are.
There are many consequences to disobeying God’s laws. More specifically, Paul mentions coveting twice in the following verses, in order to help people know that these types of people are going to heaven. It is written, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:1-5) Every sin can be forgiven, and this includes covetousness. There is a difference between wanting something to help you in your walk with God and wanting something to fulfil the desires of your flesh. It is more important to do God’s will, than to gain worldly treasures and adulterous relationships because of your coveting. So put aside all forms of coveting and God will forgive you. His mercy is for you. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, have Your way in my life. My only wish is to have Your presence with me at all times and in all places. With Your presence with me, I have the power to overcome the forces of the enemy. However, without You in my life, I am so weak to Satan’s temptations. I am sorry for falling under those circumstances and am so grateful that You have picked me back up while forgiving me. Therefore, I pray that You will never leave my side. Forgive me of all my sins and cleanse me through Your blood, Jesus. Sanctify me and make me clean, my Lord. Thank You for saving a wretch like me. Your redeeming blood is exactly what we need to be in Your right standing. Lord, the enemy continues to try to tempt me, that I might do what is wrong and leave what is good behind. Lately, He has done this through covetousness. Desiring things that I do not have. Help me resist. I only wish to be led by Your hand. If I do buy things, may it also glorify You at the same time. As my eyes are upon people, help me to see them as You see us. That I might minister to them with love while leading them into Your loving arms. I love You, Lord. I give You praise, glory, and honor. Lead me safely home. Amen.
