Choosing Christ over Covetousness

 “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” -Luke 12:15

There is a tremendous evil that has overtaken the professing church today, and that is covetousness. I don't know how often this word is used today, but to covet basically means for a person to want what they don't have, something that belongs to another person. It also usually implies that you are not content with what you already have.

People don't realize how serious coveting is, but I see it as a negative quality rampant among mankind in these “Last Days.” Coveting by itself is bad enough, but the New Testament says that covetousness is IDOLATRY;

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” -Ephesians 5:5.

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” -Colossians 3:5.

Two of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) deal with these sins, #2 & #10. This fact alone should move us to pay more attention to this temptation, one that many see nothing wrong with. There is no excuse for the Christian to allow this to continue in his/her life;

“For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.” -Psalm 10:3.

But as I've already mentioned, I think this evil is a big part of numerous bad behaviors here at the end of time. We see it in Romans 1:29 & 2 Timothy 3:2 among lists of “last days” qualities. In Revelation 21:8 & 22:15 we find that idolaters will not be in Heaven, but the Lake of Fire.

In the letter to the Laodiceans, considered by many to represent the last church age, we find the rebuke to them beginning as follows;

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing...” -Revelation 3:16,17A.

The first reason given for their spiritual condition is that they were RICH! They had money, and goods, and didn't need God for anything-the fruit of being covetous, idolatrous. They had become luke warm in their service to God, and He indicates that it makes Him feel SICK.

So what are we Christians to watch out for? God has promised to supply our needs, so how might we know when we've crossed the line into coveting? Some examples are in order...

The pastor of a church wanted his congregation to get him a glass pulpit, when there is already a fine wooden one in place. The glass pulpit is a desire, not a necessity; it looks good!

A certain denomination was lamenting that they didn't have as many women pastors as other denominations! Apart from what the Bible says about women pastors (I Timothy 2:12), this church was placing the values of men above all else. I thought God the Holy Spirit was to lead different members of the body of Christ! See 2 Corinthians 10:12 for a part of their needed rebuke.

We also have seen a lot of BIG, loud sound systems for churches in Africa, many of which have no need of any, they are too small. They are yielding to covetousness, probably from having TV, and watching religious services from the western world.

If a person has need of a car, that's one thing; but if they want a more fancy, expensive car when they really don't need it, that's coveting. Is it really a need, or do they want to be admired? I hope you are getting the idea. A great contributing factor to covetousness is another End Times' quality, that of being unthankful (2 Timothy 3:2). God may have well supplied all they really need already, but they want more, or better. Hear what the Word of God says;

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” -Hebrews 13:5.

Who are we really serving? Are we servants of the Lord, or are we trying to make Him a genie to fulfill our desires? As Christians, we should be seeking treasure in Heaven, not the earth. Are we truly grateful to have our sins forgiven, and for eternal life? That is the real treasure! Are you deeply grateful for God's daily supply of your needs? Search your hearts, brethren, and prepare to give an account to God HERE. It will be too late to repent if we wait until after death.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” -Matthew 6:19-21.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” -Philippians 4:11-13.