Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:17
This week, our entire focus is on not coveting. To better understand what it means to covet, we need to examine its definition. In the Holman Bible Dictionary, coveting is defined as “the inordinate (excessive, unreasonable, outrageous) desire to possess what belongs to another, usually tangible things.” A further definition found in the Holman Bible Dictionary says, “While the Hebrew word for ‘covet’ can also be translated “to desire,” in the Tenth Commandment, it means an ungoverned and selfish desire that threatens the basic rights of others.” So, coveting is definitely synonymous with lust, desire, and even idolatry, as we’ll see this week. That is why God included in the Ten Commandments, “You shall not covet…” But God did not stop by only saying, “You shall not covet,” but He also identifies for us the things we’re not to covet, and we’ll look at each of those things listed in Exodus 20:17. We must understand that “desire” is given to us by God, so desire is not a bad thing. Even God tells us to desire in 1 Corinthians 12:31, “But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.” The “more excellent way” God had Paul write about was to love, as laid out in 1 Corinthians 13. As we know, the two greatest commands (Matthew 22:37–40) are to love God and love our neighbor. God also tells us to “pursue love” in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” God wants us “to desire” the right things.
Challenge & Application
· Since desire is from God, what did you learn today that you should be desiring?
· How are you filling your mind and heart so that your desires stay guarded against the things of this world?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!