The Tenth Commandment

My husband preached a powerful sermon yesterday on the Tenth Commandmet: Thou shalt not covet.

When you hear that commandment, what immediately comes to mind? I know I generally think of materialism. Wanting to "keep up with the Jones’." Never being satisfied with what you have - always wanting more.

As Christians it is important that we learn to be content with our lives. Paul says, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11 One of the main points my husband made was that coveting is the root of all sin. It is the sin that begins in the heart. It is often a "hidden" sin. In the garden, before Eve took hold of the forbidden fruit, she coveted it in her heart.

I have learned, for the most part, to be content. I am very satisfied with my life. I know I have been blessed. After church, a church member and I were talking about the sermon. She mentioned that she was a little bewildered because she didn’t think she had a problem with this commandment because she was pretty much a content person. She was satisfied with her life. I had to agree with her. I felt the same way!

Jesus said, that a man who looks upon a woman in lust has already commited adultery. So we knew there must be an underlying "heart issue" aside from the obvious discontentment, jealousy, or materialism.

Ever since I have been trying to come up with instances which would be considered coveting. But I need some help!

Here are a few of my ideas:

- Not being happy when something good happens to someone else.

- Desiring praise rather than giving God the glory.

- Resenting your husband’s "small" salary.

What ideas do you have?