Thanksgiving part 3

Do not covet (Romans 7:7).

It’s in our nature to whine and complain. We see advertisements for new products and immediately want to go shopping, then get irritated when the money just isn’t there. We become envious when a friend or relative or coworker gets something shiny and expensive. We get bent out of shape because we can’t have the best of everything.

In His commandments, God tells us not to covet. To covet is to want something so badly that it dominates your thoughts and affects your behavior. A child might covet a new toy so much that he throws a temper tantrum in the store, trying to force mom or dad to get him what he wants. A teenager might want the position of head cheerleader so much that she starts spreading vicious rumors about any girl that stands in her way. A businessman might be so attracted to his secretary that he can’t concentrate on getting his work done.

Constant desire for things that you don’t have wastes time and makes you unpleasant to be around. Coveting interferes with the things God wants us to be doing—loving and serving. If your mind is consumed with wanting something, you’re not going to notice when a loved one is unhappy and needs your attention. If you are competing with another person for the same thing, your desire will be to push him aside instead of finding out which of you actually has the greater need. If you can’t get something that you want, you’re likely to be sullen or irritable, the kind of grumpy person others stay away from. You might even get so frustrated that you lash out at others, hurting them with nasty words or physical violence. Coveting destroys relationships and leaves you alone with your bitterness.

In 1st Corinthians chapter seven, Paul tells us how to view the things we covet: those who use the things of the world [should live] as if not engrossed in them. Easy to say; difficult to do. But try to put things in perspective: when you’re sick in a hospital bed, which do you want more? A room filled with things, or a room filled with people who care about you?

It’s nice to have things, but nothing bought with money can give you lasting happiness. That’s why it’s so wonderful that Jesus gives us love and salvation absolutely free.