Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s. ”
Exodus 20:17
Paul said that covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). I do not understand the connection that he makes between those two things, but I believe that it is true because he said so.
What I do understand about covetousness is that it is very closely associated with envy. Envy is wanting what God has given to someone else. Envy is, in a manner of speaking, to accuse God of error. Envy says, “God should have given that to me and I want it.”
But God makes no mistakes. The money, the house, the wife, the position, and the other possessions that God gives to another, He gives to that person on purpose. He has never made a mistake in what He has given to anyone, and everyone who has faith understands that and does not covet what God has given to another.
If on your job, a co-worker whom you think is less capable and deserving is promoted ahead of you, humble yourself to the will of God, “for promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge; He putteth down one and setteth up another.” God chooses who will rise and who will not rise and He does so, not on the basis of your abilities but on the basis of His own will. Do you have abilities? Who gave them to you? The same one who gave you the job you have now, and if He wants to use your abilities in a higher position, He will let you know. Until then, keep your mouth shut and do your job “as unto the Lord” who gave you that job to do. Don’t let pride rob you of your faith, as Asaph said in this psalm, “Lift not your horn on high; speak not with a stiff neck” (Ps. 75:5).
Humble Hannah, when pouring out her heart to God in thanksgiving for His blessings said, “Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth, for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. . . . The LORD killeth and maketh alive; he bringeth down to the grave and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor and maketh rich; he bringeth low and lifteth up” (1Sam. 2:1-7). Peter said it this way, “God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time” (1Pet. 5:6). James said, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.”
Do not be foolish and envy the blessing of God on others. You do not want their blessings; you want your own.