Do Not Covet

I badly wanted a car when I reached driving age. Initially, this desire inspired me to work hard and save up. But over time, it consumed me. Setbacks enraged me, and I resented people who owned cars while I still had to walk, take the bus, or hitch rides.

Having desires sets humans apart from animals and machines. It’s an essential part of life. But it’s also deeply spiritual, which makes it complicated and easy to get wrong.

To help us manage our desires, God warns us not to covet (Exodus 20:17). That means we shouldn’t have intense desires for the things others have. While finding inspiration in other people’s success is a good thing, it becomes sinful when we let that desire consume us. Covetousness is a trigger for breaking other commandments. What’s in our heart reflects outward (Matthew 15:17-20), so the intense feeling of needing someone else’s possessions will tempt us to steal them, commit adultery, or even murder to acquire them. Covetous desires also take centre stage in our lives, becoming idols that replace God.

How do you tell if your desire is healthy? Examine your level of contentment. If you’re constantly miserable about not having a particular thing, then you’re probably coveting it. Another red flag is becoming angry and bitter when others succeed instead of feeling happy for them.

The solution to covetousness is to aim higher. Don’t just avoid coveting, stealing, and so on—focus on God. Making a relationship with Jesus your primary desire will make all others lose their hold over you (Philippians 4:11-13). Trust His plan and His will to bless you, and you will always be content.

Watch the full sermon here.