Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:17
The first thing God tells us not to covet in Exodus 20:17 is “your neighbor’s house.” God always wants us to be thankful for what we have and not to focus on what we do not have. We all know it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. It’s the trap we easily walk into when we start comparing ourselves to what others, who are about our same age and seem like us, have and what we don’t have. One of the ways to guard against coveting is to learn to be thankful. An attitude of thanks keeps us focused on everything God has given us and not focusing on what we don’t have. Those caught up in selfish desires lose sight of God and all He has done for them. God tells us in Romans 1:21, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Notice where these people lost it, “they did not honor Him as God or give thanks.” We must always honor God through what we already have (our gifts, talents, the things of this world that we already possess, our ability to be used by Him) and continually thank Him for all those things. God even tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” God uses us to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere.
Challenge & Application
· What gifts, talents, and possessions do you already have? Make a list and spend time thanking God for them all.
· How are you using your gifts, talents, and even your possessions for God’s kingdom and glory?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!