The Ten Commandments: Focus on Jesus, Not Stuff - Living Free - March 14
The Ten Commandments: Focus on Jesus, Not Stuff
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Scripture
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17 NIV
Thoughts for the Day
The tenth commandment focuses on a person's unseen evil motives and desires. Coveting can lead us to break the other nine commandments.
To covet is to wish for enviously, to long for or crave something, especially something that belongs to another person. This includes spouse, real estate, car, position, success, prosperity and so forth. A covetous person always wants more.
It is not wrong to desire things that will better our lives, but these desires can become a trap when they replace our focus on God.
Consider this …
We live in an age of instant gratification. Advertising touts stuff and more stuff. Everything from cars to designer clothes to the latest electronic gadgets. But all the stuff in the world cannot bring us peace or lasting joy. Only a relationship with Jesus can do that.
It is important to keep your perspective. Don't think that more money and stuff and power will produce happiness. Instead, seek above all else a personal relationship with Jesus. Seek God's plan for your life. Only then will you find true contentment.
Father, help me keep my perspective and not covet anything or anyone. Forgive me for the times I have focused so much on my desire to advance my career … or obtain some thing … or just have my own way that it distracted me from focusing on Jesus. In His name …
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