FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
OP-ED BY DR. ROBERT KENNEDY
It is interesting to me how much our life in this world is affected by the problem of covetousness. And while it is a problem that has dogged humanity since the dawn of creation with the Fall, however, one can argue that digital development has given us reason to pause and reflect more deeply on the destructive nature of this problem.
For example, an article that I read concerning reasons for us to be most concerned about climate change notes that:
Fueled by artificially manufactured appetites, the speed and ubiquity of digital networks maximize the incontestable priority of getting, having, coveting, resenting, (and) envying; all of which furthers the deterioration of the world – a world operating without pause, without the possibility of renewal or recovery, choking on its heat and waste. (https://lithub.com/the-digital-age-is-destroying-us/)
If the comment seems intricate, let me note that it simply states that the spirit of covetousness is driving us (our world) on a steep path of destruction. And unless we can exorcise the spirit, we will be annihilated. Let me say the spirit driving the frenzy of spending, accumulation, competition, production, and the lack of satisfaction we see all around us will kill us if it is not arrested.
While I do not wish to make anyone feel guilty from reading this reflection, yet the reality that most persons get caught up in this sin of covetousness, I challenge you to avoid it. For all that is known, covetousness is one of the most elusive desires of humanity. One has it in the heart and does not know it. It creeps upon a person without the person even suspecting it. It suffocates the person without the person realizing it. And it is one of those desires that people are most defensive about. They like to deny that it exists in them. Therefore, it is no wonder that covetousness is so emphasized in the Commandments.
Several commentators have observed that the Ten Commandments begin and end with just about the same command, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) and “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). That is, the two Commandments are almost equivalent commands. To covet is to desire anything other than God, for it betrays a loss of contentment and satisfaction in God. It is a heart divided between two gods.
For this reason, Paul calls covetousness idolatry. “Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. . .” (Colossians 3:5, 6).
Another interesting fact is that we are instructed three times in the tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet.” And if all you think that the command only applies to limiting things and relationships such as coveting one’s house, wife, servant, ox, or (donkey), you only need to check out the last phrase in the command that says, “or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:20).
Someone says, “Covetousness is a breeding ground for a thousand other sins.” For example, here are eight that one must give serious consideration:
1. It leads a person to despise God, thus turning to idolatry
2. It leads a person to love money, which is the root of all evil
3. It leads to a lack of satisfaction and contentment
4. It leads to the deformation of character
5. It leads to the destruction of conscience
6. It leads to the destruction of happiness
7. It chokes off spiritual growth
8. It leads to violence of all sorts (murders and wars)
In response to a person who was trying to draw Jesus into a family fight over property division, Jesus gave his response in a strict warning to all who were listening to him, “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.’”
My point from the reflection is not only to ask us to be away from any presence of the covetous in the heart but to kill it, uproot it before it germinates, grows, bears fruits, defiles, and destroys us. Covetousness is an accursed problem; let’s get rid of it.
