He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” Luke 12:15 – WEB
In our modern lives, materialism and consumerism are central themes. But the Lord warns us to beware of covetousness. Locked in a struggle that is sometimes unwarranted, we strive for things we do not need. We can forget the important things of God when we focus on keeping up with worldly things. Remember, as we read in Job 1:21, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. KJV”
What is covetousness? It may be best described as a strong desire for material things, especially the material things that someone else has. We can fall into covetousness when we become jealous of the things that other people possess. It may be that we see a friend or family member’s home, or car, and get a strong desire to acquire something of comparison. We may encounter a lifestyle that makes us greedy for more. We may even covet certain relationships and envy those that have them.
Why Should We Beware of Covetousness?
Coveting is a direct violation of one of the ten commandments. In Exodus 20:17, the law of Moses forbids it saying, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. WEB” The problem is not unique to our times. It has been a problem for thousands of years.
It is not necessarily wrong to want or have nice things. The trouble comes when we put these things before our commitment to God. Christ said in Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? WEB”
We are also reminded in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. WEB” Beware of covetousness.
Remember this passage from Matthew 6:33, “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB” God wants good things for us, but more than that, the Lord wants us to put him first.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your commandments. Thank you for your wisdom. Help me to beware of covetousness. Guide me and correct me as I seek first the kingdom of heaven. I trust you with the other things. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
