Exodus 20:17 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
This is a tough one, especially for a person who's immersed in a culture powered by consumerism. The American Dream is all about a person's level of status and accumulation of stuff that goes along with it. "He who dies with the most toys wins, right?" Maybe that tongue-in-cheek phrase works for some people, but it's an unnatural fit for a Christian.
I've personally struggled with this commandment many times throughout my life. It becomes especially difficult when it feels like I'm going nowhere fast, while others around me seem to easily obtain the very things in life that I want for myself, or for my family. It's selfish and sad, but I know I'm not alone. When we're jealous of others, or spend our time wanting what other people have, it takes our focus off of the important things in life. We become restless and dissatisfied with just about everything when we're consumed by covetousness. It deeply affects our relationships with our families, friends and with God.
Like all of the preceding nine commandments, this one is also addressing a heart issue.
Thankfully, the Lord is working this out within me; to be happy for those around me, instead of being jealous of their level of success. He's helping me value interpersonal relationships more than the prospect of acquiring material things, or landing higher salaries. I'm learning to be content with what I have, and treasure who I have in my life today.
Good Night
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