By nature, we all possess a heart of ingratitude and covetousness for things we don't have. And it doesn't help that we are constantly bombarded by advertisements and other ungodly influences that try to promote the world's mindset of discontentment and "more is better."
In the Tenth Commandment, the Lord forbids the sin of covetousness. This is a sin that makes us distrust God's goodness, become bitter against our neighbors, lose our own joy, and grow anxious and stressed. It may not seem like this sin is "really that bad." After all, it's not as bad as murder, stealing, or adultery, is it? The truth is, however, that all of these terrible crimes had their beginning in a covetous heart that was not satisfied with the blessings that the Lord had already provided.
How can the sin of covetousness be conquered? It helps to cultivate a mindset of subtraction, instead of always yielding to the world's push for "more and bigger and better." Contentment is not found in the stuff that we own. It is also helpful to have our heart and mind focused on our eternal treasures in heaven. And a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude for the everyday things in life will go a long way in battling the sin of covetousness. Above all, though, we need to properly value the preciousness of our Lord Jesus! When we do this, everything else will fall into its proper perspective; and we will find ourselves not only growing in thanksgiving, but also in "thanks-living!" |
