January 22nd | No Need to Covet - We Are Enough In Christ

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Money doesn't create an easier road to travel. It may allow you to travel in a nicer car, but rarely does a Rolls Royce respond well to gravel and pot holes.

As believers, we have no need to covet or chase after what others possess. Our deepest satisfaction and sense of worth come from our secure identity in Christ—we are chosen, redeemed, and fully loved by God. In Him, we are truly enough.

Coveting is a sinful desire that longs for what rightfully belongs to someone else; it's rooted in greed and dissatisfaction. The Tenth Commandment clearly warns against it:

> “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17, NIV)

The apostle Paul takes this even further in the New Testament, urging us to actively reject such desires as part of our old nature:

> “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5, NIV)

Notice how Paul equates greed (including coveting) with idolatry—When we covet, we subtly elevate something else, such as possessions, status, or wealth, to the position that rightfully belongs to God.

Instead, Scripture calls us to pursue godliness paired with genuine contentment, which brings true and lasting gain:

> “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV)

A common expression of coveting today is the endless pursuit of more money or material things. Paul warns of the danger:

> “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)

When we covet or become envious and even greedy, we are actually inflicted harm upon ourselves. The want for more money is rooted in the intentions of an easier life or less worry When in fact, the want for more money creates a more difficult life and more worry. I've heard it coined this way:

Money doesn't create an easier road to travel. It may allow you to travel in a nicer car, but rarely does a Rolls Royce respond well to gravel and pot holes.

Finally, John reminds us to guard our hearts against worldly attachments that fuel coveting:

> “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16, NIV)

Today, let's rest in this truth: Because of who we are in Christ—children of God, heirs with Christ, and complete in Him—we don't need to compare, compete, or covet. He is our provision, our security, and our greatest treasure. Choose contentment today, and watch how it frees your heart to worship and serve Him fully.