Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:17
Covetousness is as dangerous as lack of contentment and it is the product of the latter.
When ambition becomes inordinate and uncontrollable, it will wilfully encourage covetousness. A biblical example was Absalom. He coveted for the throne of his father (David), leading him to commit murder and eventually paid with death (2 Samuel 18).
We should learn to limit our ambitions to the dictates of God and we will not agitate for anything. His thoughts for us are of good and for peace and not of evil (Jeremiah 29:11), therefore, we should be content with what we have and with patience, He will do more.
When we desperately seek for earthly things, we are bound to fall into temptation. Satan will then continue to use our desires to drive our path towards ungodliness.
Also read about : Thou shall not bear false witness
We should learn to control our desires through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit. Many like Judas Iscariot and Simon (Acts 8:18-23) fell into satanic trap of inordinate ambition and they paid with their lives. While Judas Iscariot was all about covetousness for money, Simon coveted for spiritual power by trying to bribe the Apostles.
Similarly, many people have gone into the world by associating with marine spirits, herbalists, demons, witches and wizards so as to gain fame, prominence, wealth and be seen as ‘successful’ on earth. Yet, the bible says that all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2-4).
May our desires not lead us to covet things that will lead us to hell fire, through Christ our Lord.
Memory Verse :
Exodus 20:17
“Thou shall not covet, “.
Baba Aladura, Elder Israel Akinadewo – FCA, PhD
Prelate, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW)/President, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC)