Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:17
God’s commandments are always for our protection. God gives us commands so we understand what we must do and what we must not do. God knows how powerful our “flesh” can be but as Christians, He knows He’s given us His Holy Spirit so we can overcome every temptation that comes our way—that is why God tells us this in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” Our “way of escape” is surrendering to His Holy Spirit within us and choosing to crucify our fleshly desires, no matter how strong our desires may feel. So today, God tells us in Exodus 20:17, “you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.” The command not to covet our neighbor's wife seems obvious but if this were not a struggle, God would not have placed it in His Word. Remember that coveting creates in us feelings of jealousy and envy. We might watch another couple and see the fine qualities of another person’s spouse. Suddenly, we think we deserve that person and should have that person in our life. But Jesus told us in Matthew 5:28, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Our minds and hearts must stay guarded so that we do not covet.
Challenge & Application
· Why is coveting a struggle, and why does God warn us not to covet?
· How are you choosing to guard your mind against thoughts that lead to jealousy and envy of anyone else?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!