The last of the 10 commandments makes it clear we should not "covet your neighbor’s wife. Neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, or field, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Ex. 20:17) Yet how many of us really stop to consider how much coveting is going on in our lives?
No, I may not covet my neighbor's husband, but have I ever thought, "I wish my husband would help out with chores the way her's does" or "I wish my house was as big as hers" or "I wish I could stay home with my kids all day the way she does" or even "I wish I had a garden like that"?None of these thoughts may seem initially harmful, but when we covet even the small things we open up our lives to a wide variety of sins, including jealousy. We also allow discontent to grow in our hearts, when in fact we should thank God for what he's chosen to give us - and for what he's chosen to give to our neighbor. Coveting leads to grumbling, the blues, and resentment. Thankfulness leads to smiles, laughter, and contentment. Which sort of behavior are you modeling for your children?
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