More Than a Dream Coatنموونە

THAT HOUSE

When I read the tenth commandment, I can’t even get to the second sentence without having to stop and repent. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exodus 20:17, NLT). Oh no. But what about the adorable little stone cottage next to the crystal blue lake I drove past just now? I definitely wish it were mine!

Why does God make such a big deal about desiring things that don’t belong to us? James gives us the answer without beating around the bush. “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15, NLT).

We see this downward spiral towards death in the story of Joseph (Genesis 37). And although the Technicolor Dreamcoat fiasco probably comes to mind immediately, the root of covetousness goes much deeper. Joseph’s brothers didn’t simply want their own special coats from their father. Their resentment was born before Joseph took his first breath. And over the next few days, we will explore how we often fall into the same trap.

Is it possible that our dislike of some people may actually be rooted in wanting something that they have? How far do you think your underlying jealousy can drag you down?

In the same way that the first nine commandments protect us against the misery of divorce, burnout, and more, the tenth commandment can save you from a disastrous life. “Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous” (Proverbs 27:4, NLT).

Let us open our hearts to the Lord’s healing touch today. And let us find the life of contentment that He desires for us. “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless - like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 6:9, NLT).