Luke 12:15 Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
As we continue our study of the sins of the works of the flesh, we come to jealousy, which is a demonic spirit that will destroy everyone it touches. The Word of God has different names for this, including covetousness and envy. This is a sin dating all the way back to God giving Moses the Ten Commandments. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. (Exodus 20:17)
Jesus taught on this subject and said, Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. (Luke 12:15)
The great King Solomon, who was the wisest man to ever live, said, A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30) Jealousy, covetousness, and envy will rot your bones, which will cause your entire body to collapse to the ground.
James, the half-brother to Jesus, wrote, For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16)
People who seek that which belongs to others are never satisfied with what they have and are continually seeking more and more. This is the evil spirits of greed and jealousy at work in their lives.
The Apostle Paul taught about contentment, which is the antidote for jealousy and envy. When we are content with what we have, we will not long for what someone else has. He wrote, Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (Philippians 4:11) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Within the fence of the Pasture of Plenty, we find true Contentment. This is a Benefit in the Believer's Benefit Package that cannot be found anywhere outside the fence in the cold, dark, dog-eat-dog world controlled by Satan and his demons.
As believers, we have the opportunity to live in contentment, but we must make the choice to be contented. Are you content where you are and with what the Lord has provided for you? I pray your answer to this question is yes. If not, you may be too close to the fence. Turn around and take your cares, doubts, and needs straight back to the Cross of Christ in the center of the Pasture of Plenty. There, you will find true Contentment.
The Cross of Christ will…....... turn the tide.........in your life.
Content, Doreen
bettsministries.org
