JESUS SPEAKING
Then one from the crowd spoke to Jesus saying, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12: 13 – 15.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus fervently warned his followers to avoid covetousness. Those who covet strongly desire the belongings of others; as a result they lack the proper gratitude for what they have been given. Due to the destructive nature of this particular sin, God gave mankind the tenth commandment; which states: “You shall not covet (desire) your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet (desire) your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Covetousness is dangerous because it can lead to a number of other sins such as theft, adultery, and even murder.
In ancient times, King David was an extremely powerful man who possessed great riches. He had countless wives and concubines at his disposal to satisfy his physical needs. Yet, one evening, while walking along the rooftop of his palace, his eyes beheld a woman bathing naked. Her name was Bathsheba; the spouse of a military commander named Uriah. David abruptly began coveting her, and eventually committed the act of adultery. He was soon informed that Bathsheba had conceived and was with child. After numerous attempts to cover up his dreadful deed, David finally had Uriah murdered in battle; thus taking Bathsheba to be his wife. King David was later judged for his sin and the penalty was severe.
As faithful servants, we must be careful to continually maintain a spirit of gratitude, and to take pleasure in what the Lord has given us. In so doing, we will fulfill the tenth commandment and avoid covetousness. May we never desire the possessions of others; may we always remain grateful for what we have been given; and may God grant us true contentment and everlasting peace.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many blessings. Fill us continually with unending gratitude and genuine appreciation. If we have broken the tenth commandment convict our hearts and help us to change. May we never desire the possessions of others; but instead take pleasure in the gifts that You have given us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 