Number 10
It brings out feelings of ungratefulness and jealousy
Reference: ““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 NIV
Explore: Kate has an incredible house. Jude has such well behaved children. Louise has an unbelievable figure. Anna goes on such great holidays.
Many people who come into our lives have desirable things about them. We notice them, we may even compliment them on these things, but how often do we covet them?
When I covet my friends and neighbours lives it highlights a dissatisfaction I have with my own life. It brings out feelings of ungratefulness and jealousy, neither good attributes.
Application: There is good reason why God put “do not covet” in the 10 commandments. He didn’t just tack it on the end or put it in to get a round figure of commands. He knew the unhealthy attitude coveting would bring.
To be honest, as I read through the 10 Commandments, I feel I’m sitting fairly pretty until I get to that last one. I’m always quick to compare myself to others.
It’s this approach that leads to other ugly characteristics like jealousy, greed, pride, and dissatisfaction. Instead of celebrating other people I compare myself to see if I’m above or beneath them.
No matter which commandment we catch ourselves on it’s good to be aware of it and work on it. God gave the Israelites these commands so they could live a long and happy life in community. We would do well to take note of them in our own lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance. May we continue to strive to improve our lives to be more as You have created us to be. Amen.
Which commandment do you find most confronting?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.