The Jones's

"not covet your neighbor's wife, your neighbor's house, or his manservant’s’ or maidservants, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

This is a familiar topic for me, I know, but every time I throw a bunch of stuff away, whether it is mine or someone else's or who knows who's, I am struck by the utter volume and magnitude of how much we have that we obviously don't need. Equally as mind-boggling is that we hang on to stuff until it is practically no good to anyone.

For example, millions of people are starving somewhere, and food goes past the expiration date. What is wrong with us? We can't stop buying or collecting and the storage industry makes millions based on the principle that we have too much stuff. Even though I am a voice of conscience and fight some of the onslaught of the never- ending acquisition of things, I still am a part of the problem, I know. I think the root of this issue comes from our sin nature that covets so easily. Last commandment, longest commandment, and probably the commandment that is taken least seriously. Seriously, think about it. No other Gods.... I get it. No murdering... Of course. No lying or stealing.... Yeah, yeah. Adultery, obviously that is a no-no. Even the holiness of a Sabbath, not as easy, but reasonable. Bearing false witness, certainly not popular in an election year, right? But, COVETING? What is that? Why the details? Because, this really hits hard. This may be the hardest commandment. As the old saying goes "We have to keep up with the Jones's." Which means, bigger or same car, a boat, a tattoo, a pair of shoes, a whatever it is? Our jealousies are real, and our desire to have what others have is so deep, we want theirs or to even take theirs. If I can bring others down, I don't have to reach so high.

God may have as easily said, STOP with the wanting, wanting, wanting, and needing, needing, needing. How about sharing, sharing, sharing, and giving, giving, giving? Even if somebody has a better house, or wife, or retirement, or car, or watch, or phone, or anything your neighbor has, that is his, and your feelings about it other than sharing in your neighbor's joy or success, will just lead to sin. Do not covet! (Wish to have what someone else has) not admiring it, lusting after it. If you do, envy, resentment, bitterness and more trouble will follow for sure. God knows that possessions will not make anybody happy for long. Since only God can supply our needs, true contentment can only be found in Him. We have much to learn in this area.
Hard lessons, too.

With frustration and compassion,
Pastor Fred

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