Tenth Commandment – No Coveting

Tenth Commandment – No Coveting

Exodus 20: ¹⁷ “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.”

 

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GOD told Moses and the children of Israel not to covet or want the stuff other people have.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be fortifying the children of Israel against being able to be tempted by the world’s treasures.
• GOD knew that people could easily be bribed or bought to not follow HIM.
• JESUS was tempted by Satan with the world’s treasures because Satan did not want JESUS to die for the sins of mankind.

 

Ten commandments were given to everyone for a different reason than I thought. I used to believe these were harsh rules that seemed impossible to keep, or a checklist of measures to show how good I was. But this is not a list of “Do as I say or else.” The Ten Commandments are a list of protections against the attack of Satan.

 

It took ten plagues to disable the mindset of the Egyptians. Now GOD provided ten commandments that would protect you and me from Satan. This list is all about JESUS. When the HOLY SPIRIT led JESUS into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, worldly treasures were used as an attempt to get JESUS to misuse HIS power.

 

The consequence would have been Satan winning all humans for himself because the scrolls that sentenced Satan would not have been opened. But JESUS overcame the temptation of the world’s treasures. You and I can do the same. When we want more of the world’s finest, we can be tempted away from GOD’s finest, namely JESUS.

 

Having stuff is not bad. Having needs, wants and desires is also not bad. Trading in JESUS to get stuff is bad because you can gain the whole world and lose your soul. I believe GOD recognizes jealousy over a missing need. If I don’t have a need and I see someone who has the need, I am going to ask GOD, “Can I have my need fulfilled?”  GOD will bring the right resource at the right time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to not covet?
• Have you ever been taken off of GOD’s path because you wanted something that someone else had?
• Can you place your desires, wants and needs before GOD and let HIM sort through how and when HE will deliver you?

Running Up Behind Someone

Running Up Behind Someone

James 2: ⁵ Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. ⁶ But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! ⁷ They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

 

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“Why are you running up behind him?” was the strange question posed to me. I had to decipher what was being asked. I was trying to be like a certain rich person. I studied the mannerisms, spending habits and even learned how to play a sport that was expensive and I did not really enjoy. Oh, “Why am I trying to follow the people who cause more problems than provide solutions?”

 

• I was secretly trying to be rich, so I followed the rich.
• I was unconsciously trying to act rich so I studied the rich.
• I was lustfully seeking what the rich had, so I spent enormous amounts of time thinking about what I did not have.

 

James tried to address a serious concern, namely overlooking the poor. He first explains the heart of GOD by saying the poor who love HIM will possess HIS kingdom. He then states that GOD made this a promise, so it will happen. He then tried to open everyone’s eyes to the problem of following the rich and overlooking the poor.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my heart and knows when I serve HIS kingdom.
• GOD loves when I serve the poor and help people in need.
• GOD wants me to treat the poor with the same honor as the rich.

 

Overlooking the poor is dishonorable to GOD. I mean, HIS heart seems to be geared towards helping the poor and serving them, but when I “innocently” follow the rich, I may not make time to seek those in need. I may even make a statement that “I plan on helping once I become rich.” BUT GOD sees through my scheme.

 

HE wants me to serve my peers when I am poor. HE then wants me to keep serving the poor if HE gives me more to share. The more HE gives me the more HE expects me to give others. Following the rich should probably be done in small doses. I am glad GOD wants me to increase my appetite for seeking to serve the poor.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe the rich?
• Have you ever heard “There is not a problem being rich” from poor people?
• Will you seek to serve the poor with the material blessings GOD has given you so you can bring honor on someone today?

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

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Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

Rich and Satisfied

Rich and Satisfied

1 Timothy 6: They think that religion is a way to become rich.

⁶ Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. ⁷ What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! ⁸ So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.

 

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Lugging the latest camcorder and a suitcase full of items of convenience, I went on my first mission’s trip. I thought I had seen poor people before, but this place really opened my eyes. We went out into the rural area and ran into a family. When we stopped, the owner of the “hut” invited us over. He bragged that he had a cow, chickens and a lemon tree. He was satisfied and I was worried about my material things.

 

• I wanted the latest things.
• I wanted more and more comfort items.
• I wanted to be satisfied, but never could find it.

 

Paul spoke harshly about false preachers whose purpose in life was to dream up other philosophies outside of JESUS to become rich. He then speaks to Timothy about the dangers of pursuing becoming rich. He explains “foolish and harmful desires” can and will pull them into ruin and destruction.

 

My Observations

• Being content with what GOD has provided is more important than the next latest thing.
• Being satisfied with what HE has done changes my attitude about what HE should be doing.
• Being gratified is a position of thanksgiving GOD gets excited about when I supply it.

 

True wealth comes from knowing GOD and by belief in JESUS as the Savior. I mean, HE gives me all the warning signs to avoid and provides a path to contentment. Unfortunately, the world tries to pull me away from being content.

 

The need for more stuff, more clothes, more gadgets and more storage for the stuff makes me discontent. The insatiable appetite of wanting more then drives me to worry, work impossible hours and lie about “needing” the stuff for self-care. I am glad GOD opens my eyes to my lusts so HE can make me satisfied with what HE has given me..

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about loving money?
• Have you ever worried about finances so much that you got mad at GOD?
• What would happen if you had less than what you have now?
• Will you be satisfied, content and gratified over what GOD has provided and praise HIM for HIS provisions today?

Origin of Wanting

 

Origin of Wanting

Romans 7: ⁷ What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸ But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.

 

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For a while, the words “Don’t do that” meant something. I stayed away from “that.” But then I heard people who did “that.” They made “that” sound good. In fact, they teased me for not doing “that” The crowd seemed to be doing it, now I wanted to do it. The Bible said “Don’t do it.” No that was all I could think about.

 

• When I am told what not to do, it seems like that’s all I want to do.
• When I am told something is forbidden, it seems like I want to know why it is forbidden.
• When I am told stay away from something pleasurable, it seems like I can only think of that pleasurable thing.

 

Paul continues his explanation of the Law. He says the Law is not sinful, rather it exposes sin. The sin inside each person, then sees what the Law says and wants to do the opposite. BUT GOD had a remedy.

 

• GOD placed HIS law in my heart so I would know I needed a Savior.
• GOD allowed HIS SON, who volunteered, to be blamed and murdered for the sins I committed.
• GOD raised HIS SON from the dead, overcoming any sinful craving I might have.

 

At birth, sin coerces through my veins. I want the things GOD does not want me to have. The more I am told, not to want “that” the more I want it. BUT GOD took a different approach. HE knew I would not want HIM, rather I would want the sin. JESUS, being GOD, died for me.

 

“There… now sin no longer holds you.” Now that I am freed from the consequence of sin, I am grateful. This gratefulness gives me the strength to say “not this time” to the sin. My craving to do what GOD says increases with each “no” I speak to sin. I am glad JESUS mad a way out of my sin.

 

• Do you want something that you know is not good for you?
• Are you acting a way you know you should not act?
• Will you stop beating yourself up and be thankful JESUS has released you from all guilt and shame, so you can receive HIS peace today?

Rich and Famous

Luke 6: ²⁴ “But woe to you who are rich,

For you have received your consolation.
²⁵ Woe to you who are full,
For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
For you shall mourn and weep.
²⁶ Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.

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Mocking a person’s leadership style was one of the primary conversations of the “in crowd.” I was finally invited to partake and it felt great. I had a large expense account so our discussion took place at an expensive steak house.

• Riches can blind me.
• Indulgence can remove me from reality.
• Recognition can make me think more highly of myself.

JESUS turns from blessing to woes in a strange way.  HE had just said “Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of GOD”, then HE turns right around and says “Woe to you who are rich.” HE knew the evil grips money could have on a person.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost and feed the poor so my reward can be in heaven.
• JESUS wants me to miss a meal or two seeking HIS kingdom.
• JESUS wants me to seek gratification in HIM being satisfied versus trying to get human edification.

When I am rich, full of food and bragged about, I do not hear GOD. When I am poor it seems like I can hear GOD in songs and I can see HIM moving obstacles. My rich blind times brings on worries of keeping my earthly treasures while my poor struggling times brings on a cry to GOD for rescue.

GOD wants me to be careful of falling into yet another trap of the devil. “If I could just make X dollars then I could…” is usually the trap language I use. GOD wants me to say “If I could just have the faith of a mustard seed then anything GOD wants me to do can happen.”

• Are you rich and losing touch with GOD?
• Are you poor and mad that you are not rich?
• Can you heed JESUS’s warnings and seek HIS kingdom as your pay and reward today?

Divvy it up

Mark 15: ²² And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. ²³ Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. ²⁴ And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.

²⁵ Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. ²⁶ And the inscription of His accusation was written above:

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

“Can I have that desk mat and the in-box?” Someone had been released from the company so I took the liberty to get some of the goodies left behind. I mean, this person couldn’t use it anyway.

• There were times when I blindly scavenged.
• There were times when I grabbed stuff from those I would never see again in this lifetime.
• There were times when I inherited someone’s junk without remembering their name or what they were about.

“Well that was a short reign… Let’s get HIS stuff” seemed to be the thought as the people cared more about HIS stuff than what HE stood for. Someone tried to give HIM a little comfort by giving HIM wine mingled with myrrh, but there was no comfort for JESUS as HE hung on the cross.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS blessings daily rather than the stuff I can scavenge.
• GOD wants me to be delighted in HIM rather than the stuff I can acquire.
• GOD wants me to recognize HIM as King in a real way, not as HIS mockers.

Since things did not go as expected, people gave up on JESUS being their King. HIS crime was inscribed as “THE KING OF THE JEWS” so no one would ever try to go against the current government regime. Their hearts were only focused on what they could get, not on who HE was and is. GOD wants me to see who HE was and is and is to come. My future lies in HIS hands.

• Are you focused on getting stuff?
• Are you complaining about someone else’s stuff?
• Will you stop looking at what stuff you have or do not have and look at how GOD wants you to serve people today?

Rich and Saved

Matthew 27: ⁵⁷ As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

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Reading the news, I discovered a movie star who’s cell phone bill was more than my salary and pretty close to half the value of my first house! Enraged, I looked at GOD’s words “It is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel to go through an eye of a needle.” I found solace in the fact that “all” rich people were going to hell. I mean what about “my” bills!

• There were times I was jealous of the rich and powerful.
• There were times that I wanted what the rich had in order to show them how “I” would do what they do better.
• There were times that I judged those in fancy cars, big homes and fame.

I figured when JESUS said it is hard for rich people to go to heaven, it meant they were arrogant, boastful and all around thieves of the poor. As I read this passage I pondered the rich. Joseph stood out.

He was rich, powerful and well respected amongst the higher ups. HE was able to approach Pilate himself with a rare request for JESUS’s body that was granted immediately. It struck me that JESUS has rich, not so rich and poor followers.

• JESUS wants me to serve everyone, no matter their status.
• JESUS wants me to look at everyone the same and serve them.
• JESUS wants me to stop judging the rich and perhaps I can reach them.

One reason that dawned on me of why I thought rich people were destined for hell was my judgement towards them. “Why should I help them?” came to mind. In fact, in my judging state, I was quite alright with seeing people go to hell if I felt they squandered their life on being snooty!

GOD wants me to act different. No matter how rich a person is, they still need a savior. HE wants me to pray for the rich, not so rich and the poor to have salvation in CHRIST.  HE wants me to drop my judgement and start serving.

• Do you judge the rich?
• Do you think all rich people are going to hell?
• Can you drop your judgment of the rich and powerful and ask GOD to be sent to anyone HE pleases?

Feel Sorry for the Rich and Powerful

Ezekiel 32: ² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
    you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
    churning the water with your feet
    and muddying the streams.

³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘With a great throng of people
    I will cast my net over you,
    and they will haul you up in my net.

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GOD sees. GOD Hears. GOD knows. Sometimes I wondered if HE does. I mean those who are in power seem to flaunt it recklessly, meanwhile “I’m sitting on this bus next to the man smelling like who knows what”, I thought to myself. “Is this fair?” I would exclaim to GOD!

• There have been times I have compared my life to those who are extremely rich.
• There have been times I have pointed at the rich and powerful as being the problem.
• There have been times I have wondered why those who possibly lie and cheat their way to the top seem to get away with everything and I have count my bus fare.

Back then I thought it was appropriate to wish the rich to fall and the poor to rise, but then they would become rich and the cycle would continue with bad attitudes in different people. GOD wants me to lament over what is coming.

• GOD says to me “Lament over those in power today for if they do not turn to ME they will fall.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be envious over those in power today for I will hold every word against them if they do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Every action, every penny is being held accountable for all, turn to ME before it is too late.

JESUS did not have a dime as HE walked the earth. HE was the poorest of the poor, yet HE was rich in that HE owned everything. Monetary wealth can bring blindness to the fact that I am related to the ONE who owns everything, namely JESUS. HE wants me to focus on HIM in the times of trouble rather than pointing at the rich and becoming jealous. HE wants me to see that HE is the Sovereign LORD.

• Are you holding multiple conversations about the rich and powerful?
• Do you get disturbed about what the wealthy are doing?
• What happen if you held this many conversations about JESUS with the same amount of passion?
• Can you speak about GOD to someone today as freely as you speak about the rich and powerful?