Are you satisfied or wishing you had what your neighbors, friends or relatives have? There are times when we look around and wish we had that car, that job, that outfit, that house, etc. Perhaps that is just about being human, but those uncontrolled thoughts can take over and inspire us to do unholy things. God knew that about humans and his tenth commandment in Exodus 20:16 speaks against wanting things that others have. "You shall not covet...anything that belongs to your neighbor." What are some of the effects of those uncontrolled desires?
"You shall not covet...anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:16
"COVET": The Uncontrolled desire to acquire
I. THE EFFECT OF ALWAYS WANTING MORE
1. FATIGUE
"Do not wear yourself out to be rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." Proverbs 23:4
2. DEBT
"The more money you have, the more money you spend..." Ecclesiastes 5:11
3. WORRY
"A working man ... can get a good night's sleep. But the rich man has so much that he stays awake worrying." Ecclesiastes 5:12
4. CONFLICT
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from the desires that battle with you?" James 4:1
5. DISSATISFACTION
"You will never be satisfied if you long to be rich. You will never get all you want." Ecclesiastes 5:10
"It's foolish to think wealth brings happiness!" (Paul) "I have learned the secret of being content... whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12
II. HOW TO LEARN CONTENTMENT
1. RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS
"We do not dare classify or compare ourselves ... it is not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12
2. REJOICE IN WHAT I DO HAVE
"If God gives a man wealth and property .. he should be grateful and enjoy what he has... it is a gift from God." Ecclesiastes 5:19
3. RELEASE WHAT I HAVE TO HELP OTHERS
"Tell those who are rich, not to be proud and not to trust in their money which will soon be gone. Tell them to use their money to do good ... to give happily to those in need, always with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven -- it is the only safe investment for eternity!" 1Timothy 6:17-19
4. REFOCUS ON WHAT’S GOING TO LAST
"We fix our attention, not on the things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18
“A man’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be.” Luke 12:15