Bryant Wright, Founder

“‘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

The final commandment deals with a sin that is often invisible to everyone except God.

“Do not covet.”

Coveting begins when we become dissatisfied with what God has given us and start longing for what He has given someone else. It is the belief that life would be better if we had their house, their job, their spouse, their success, or their opportunities.

In many ways, this is the myth of greener grass. We convince ourselves that joy is somewhere else. If only our circumstances were different, then we would finally be content.

But contentment is never found by constantly looking over the fence.

The problem with coveting is that it steals our gratitude. Instead of thanking God for His blessings, we become preoccupied with what we do not have. Instead of trusting His plan, we question His goodness.

The Apostle Paul learned a different way. He wrote that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he faced. Contentment was not the result of perfect conditions. It was the result of trusting Christ (Philippians 4:12).

There will always be someone with more money, more influence, more possessions, or more opportunities. If our joy depends on keeping up with others, we will never have enough. Comparison always leads to inferiority.

True contentment begins when we stop comparing our lives to others and start thanking God for His faithfulness to us.

DIG DEEPER
Read “The Riches of Contentment” also by Bryant Wright