Do Not Covet

Exodus 20:17 —  “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” 

In Hebrew, the word covet means “to desire, or take pleasure in”. On the surface it seems like it’s not such a bad thing to desire or take pleasure in something. After all, God instructs His people all throughout the Bible to desire many things like goodness, love, and unity.

However, the heart of this commandment isn't about the act of desire itself, but about what we desire. The thing that God did not want his chosen people desiring was what other people have.

The problem with coveting is that it takes your attention away from God’s glory. Rather than focusing on how good God is in your life, you begin to feel jealous and resentful about someone else’s blessings. As long as your eyes are fixed on what the people around you have, you will never be truly thankful and satisfied with what God has given you.

God knew that a life of gratitude and contentment is what would bring Himself the most glory and His people the most peace. The next time that you start to look around and feel envious about what someone else has, stop and force yourself to count the blessings in your life. You may be surprised at how many God has given you.