Covetousness (4)
“Be content with such things as you have.” Heb 13:5 NKJV
If your goals are God-centered, He will help you to achieve them. But if you are asking Him for something just because your neighbor has it, you’ll be disappointed. The Bible says, “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps 84:11). When God withholds something from you, trust Him; He knows what He’s doing. God loves you too much to give you what you’re not ready for, can’t handle, doesn’t fit into His plan for your life, or will end up draining your energies and maybe even destroying you. When you covet something, make it essential to your happiness, and beg God to give it to you, you’re asking God to replace Himself with something you consider more important. When you do this, God may allow you to experience the consequences Israel suffered. “He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul” (Ps 106:15). Don’t reach the end of your life only to look back with regret on a shattered marriage, children who’ve gone astray, a blighted conscience, or the pain of realizing you missed out on God’s best. Our problem is not that we don’t want God; it’s that we want God—plus—a house by the lake, an impressive career, a perfect spouse, or whatever catches our fancy. That’s why Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Lk 12:15 NKJV). Life is not built on things, it’s built on relationships. And the first relationship you need to work on is your relationship with God.
February 4, 2013 | Permalink3 Responses to Covetousness (4)
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Deborah says:
Very well said. I would also stress to Christians today that to work on one’s relationship with God, is to covet His words in the scriptures, worship in a Bible-centered church and serve as a disciple in that fellowship. Too many ‘Christians’ today think that they can build their ‘relationship’ with God through extra-biblical revelations and visions!
Deborah in Ontario, Canada
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Anna says:
Beautifully said
god allows us to enjoy a flower wild flower in the spring to let us know summer is near. its a wonderful thing to have a roof over head and watch snow flakes fall. its a blessing to be able to help others in need. our health is important. i pray for the abundance to be able to share with others and show love, grand children, friends, those in need. im thankful that god allows us to pray. i pray know to get a good report about my grandson, so the doctors know what his blood test show. thank you pastor for reminding me that god will answer our prayers in his own time. the most important prayer for me now is for my grandson jacob to be alright. your sister in christ phylis.