Covetousness vs Contentment 3

As we close out this series let us recap and look at a few more passages of scripture dealing with this sin.

We will begin by restating a few portions of scripture we shared last week, starting with the Lord Jesus Himself.

15) And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."  Luke 12:15

When we believe our life consists in the abundance of things we possess, we are in danger of becoming covetous, self-centered, and insensitive to the Holy Spirit and His gentle leading.

Then the apostle Paul stated,

6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  1 Timothy 6:6-10

The Pharisees, who outwardly seemed generous, had hearts filled with greed, malice, and hypocrisy. Could this be an issue in the church culture of today?

Are we trying to sugar coat our lust for more with a few sprinkles of religious piety? Sadly, there are those that get off balanced and preach worldly prosperity Sunday after Sunday.

They do it in such a way that those attending the service are primarily focused on hearing how they can become wealthy, comfortable, and blessed instead of loving God with a pure heart, and learning to live in holiness.

These believers are then led to believe God is primarily their piggy bank or investment partner to make them rich. Yes, God does want us to prosper and be in health, but His first priority is holiness (3 John 1:2).

In the USA it is so easy to blur the lines of providing for our needs (Ephesians 4:28) and being well off to becoming covetous and always grasping for more. It is easy to do because we live in a covetous society that goes into debt to satisfy the lust for pleasure and things.

Most commercials today are aimed at stirring our appetite for things beyond our basic necessities. It has been a trap that has brought much of the population into financial hardship and bondage to debt. We even have Shopping Channels on TV and online parading every type of item, and offering easy payment plan options to stir up this insatiable appetite for more.

There is an old rhyme that says, “I owe. I owe. So, off to work I go.” Obviously, we should all work, but this implies working for debt that was unwisely accumulated, not some basic need like a home or car.

 13)  "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." 14)  Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. Luke 16:13-14

The KJV says, “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.” Luke 16:14 

Although they were religious leaders, they had not conquered greed and covetousness.

Does the Father Want His Children Blessed

The Father does want to bless His children, and gives us plenty of promises to cover every need as we place our trust in Him.

"And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18 

1) Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments. 2) His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. 3) Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. Psalms 112:1-3

31) "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  2)  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

“according as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue….” 2 Peter 1:3 

There are scores of other passages to underscore the Father’s intent to bless His children, not only in heaven, but in this world. His greatest desire is for us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we truly love Him, we will freely give our substance to honor Him and His work and nothing we possess will get in the way of our relationship with Him.

Things We Can Covet

Instead of continuing with things we should not covet, let’s turn to discover what things we can and are encouraged to covet. Yes, there are things we can and should covet.

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth he exhorted them to walk in love and to COVET spiritual gifts (things) especially the ability to prophesy and edify the church.

But covet earnestly the best gifts...." 1 Corinthians 12:31 

The word Paul used is the Greek word zēloō which means, covet, covet earnestly, zealously affected, desire to have, jealous, envy. Wow! There is your license to covet the things of the Holy Spirit. Go for it! This license gives us unashamed access to all the Father has for us through the Spirit so we can be effective in sharing Christ and ministering His grace to one another.

“Pursue love, and earnestly seek the spiritual things, and rather that you may prophesy….” 1 Corinthians 14:1 LSV

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV

“Follow after charity and desire spiritual things, but rather that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 MKJV

“Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 RV

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy.... 1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV

Seek the Father about increasing your desire for spiritual things, and not just the temporal things of this world. Serve Him with your whole heart, and trust Him to supply all of your need and to direct your steps into His abundant provision.

New subject next time—until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you.

James Brown CST

04/16/2025