GO-SIN-NO-MORE

A simple definition for “covetousness” is greedy. Greedy means to be “excessively or inordinately desirous of wealth, profit, etc.” In addition, Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines covetousness as “wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions.” What could be wrong with desiring wealth or profit? America was founded on principles of hard work, productivity, and gain. Hard work, productivity, and gain are principles that are supported in the Bible. God supports these principles, but the Word of God is against covetousness. Is this a contradiction? No, Jesus gives a parable that explains the sinfulness of “covetousness.”

Luke 12:15-21 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. KJV

God created mankind, and there is nothing more important than serving God. Covetousness causes man to put his desires above the desires of God. Covetousness causes idolatry, selfishness, and it can even lead to extortion, deception, crooked, and/or fraudulent practices. In the parable about the rich man, the word “I” is used 6 times. The rich man does not include or acknowledge God in his plans. In the process of acquiring great material possessions, he forgot about the needs of his soul. The same is happening today in America. Materialism has become more important than obeying God. Wealth and possessions have become status symbols, and these symbols have served as means to establish notions of superiority or inferiority. Most of all, many Americans have become lovers of themselves and unthankful (see II Timothy 3:1-7). How can sharing, caring, and brotherly love exist if man loves himself more than he loves God? Covetousness can lead to a reprobate mind (see Romans 1:28-32).

It is time to return to loving God first and giving him top priority in everything that we do and say (Matthew 6:33). This can only come about through godly sorrow for covetousness and any other sins. Godly sorrow leads to repentance. Do you need to REPENT of covetousness? Ask God to forgive you for the sins of greediness, idolatry, and selfishness. He loves you!