The Ten Commandments – #10

March 2, 2021 (Friday)

You shall not covet

What does the word, “covet,” mean? The dictionary gives several definitions, but the one I think this Commandment refers to is, “to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another.” It may start as a simple acknowledgment that you have seen something that belongs to another that is really nice. As you think about it, your thought is “that guy is lucky to have it. I’d like to have something like that.” After a while, you’re thinking, “I would really like to have that thing he has.” Finally, you are lying awake at night thinking of ways to get it. “Covet” is a dynamite word that can explode in your face before you know it.

“You shall not covet” is a commandment about material stuff. The stuff could be a coat or a car. The key word is “inordinate.” You want it so bad it’s all you can think about and you would do most anything to get it.

Jesus said, ““Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15 NIV). This commandment as stated in the Bible is completed with a list of your neighbor’s things. Don’t covet his house, his wife, his servants, his work animals..anything that is his (Exodus 20:17). Thankfully, few people consider people as things to possess anymore. The commandment holds firmly, however, and we are not to covet people as possessions.

What is the cure for covetousness? I believe Paul found out, perhaps the hard way as he endured suffering of many kinds, that contentment is the cure for covetousness. He said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11 NIV). And where did he find a way to do that? He told us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

As we close out our study of The Ten Commandments, perhaps our sins have been revealed to us. If we confess our sins he forgives our sins.

Paul found strength for daily living in his personal relationship with Christ and the love for Him who was in charge of his life. If he was ever tempted to covet, he conquered those thoughts through the power of Christ within him. He found victory over sin of any kind through Christ. As we anticipate Holy Week and Christ’s redemptive power, we do so, just as our friends observe Lent, by confessing our sins and rededicating our lives to Him anew, fully intending to walk with Him step for step in what remains of our lives here on earth, anticipating the joys of Heaven that await us.

I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS
Words: Oscar C. A. Bernadotte
Music: George Beverly Shea 1932
1888

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name. Refrain

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. Refrain

Although American hymnals show Rhea Miller as the author of this song, Swedish sources attribute the original to Prince Oscar Bernadotte. In 1888 he relinquished his royal title and right to succession in order to marry a commoner who had influenced his religious beliefs. Afterward he was active in Christian service. The words of the song had quite literal meaning for him.