Covetousness

I've been going through the book LORD CHANGE MY ATTITUDE by James MacDonald. The last two blogs dealt with a complaining attitude and how to replace a complaining attitude with an attitude of thankfulness.

The next attitude that is examined in the book is the attitude of covetous, now here we go lets say it in a sentence:

"Covetousness, rampant in the Western world and in the evangelical church, blocks the flow of God's fullness in our lives" 


It is always helpful to fully understand what God calls sins of disobedience in our lives, so here are a few definitions for covetousness:



A strong desire after the possession of worldly things (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Matt. 6:20). It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness. http://bible-library.com/covetousness

 Our English word covet means to intensely or obsessively desire. It frequently refers to lusting after something (or someone) that belongs to someone else.http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/covetousness-idolatry/

  Being excessively desirous of the possessions of another; an extreme desire to acquire or possess. Possessiveness, which is quite similar, is an attitude toward ownership or possession which is overprotective, selfish or hoarding. http://deeptruths.com/bible-topics/covetousness.html

I think that the emphasis of the definition of the word covet is to DESIRE. Now we know that desire (or to covet) in-and-of itself is neutral, so it is WHAT we desire of covet.

 If I can tie this all up and help you see what is at the heart of the Bible's teachings about desire: I love the Westminster Catechism question and answer number one:

 Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength ( Mark 12:30).

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ( Philippians 3:10).

Now to get right to the heart of our discussion; the supreme desire for the follower of Christ is to love God, glorify God, find all your pleasure and joy in your God, and desire more than anything in life to know Him better.

Take the time to make application of these thoughts, you may ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you find yourself thinking more about things than people or God?
2. Do you find yourself saying, "when I finally get this ______________ (fill in the blank , then I will be truly happy)?
3. Do you make your relationship with God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit the most important relationship in your life?
Do you find yourself pursuing God the same way that you went after other pursuits in you life?



These are questions that only you can answer. You must allow these questions to penetrate and go deep into your inner landscape, it will  require time alone with God, it will require you to allow God to put His finger on certain areas of your life, yes, it can be painful, but it is the only sure way to grow spiritually.