Revolutionary Leaders

God's Top Ten: Do Not Covet

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17)

All the first nine commands focus more on things we do; the tenth deals straight with the heart and its desires. Literally, the word for covet here means "to pant after."

Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be truly satisfied. Covetousness can be expressed towards all sorts of things; it is the itch to have and to possess what someone else has. It speaks of a dissatisfaction with what we have, and a jealously towards those who have something "better."

So what exactly can we do to avoid breaking #10 on God's Top Ten list?

Be content
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Trust God for your needs
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Be grateful for what you have
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Discover and Believe in who God made you to be
“…we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12:3-8)