September 27, 2019

Rerun from January 22, 2015

Last week, a friend of mine pulled up to the church in a beautiful high performance sports car and took me for a ride. It really was a thing of beauty.

As we went roaring down the road, I took a good look at the inside of the car. That’s when I decided the covet part of the Bible was overrated.

Last week, Pastor Jason got a new cattle trailer. It is much bigger than my cattle trailer. That’s when I decided the covet part of the Bible was overrated.

Last Sunday, when Dr. Bradley and Dr. Miller were playing the organ and piano, I realized I cannot even play a kazoo. That’s when I decided the covet part of the Bible was overrated.

I do that a lot. In moments of weakness, I find myself coveting other people’s possessions and talents. But there is a reason that God said, “You shall not covet.”

To covet what others possess is to actually resent them. This means that last week, I resented my friend, Pastor Jason, Dr. Bradley and Dr. Miller. That is terribly wrong and something to be ashamed of.

In addition, coveting is also a sign of jealously that the other person is more blessed than I am and that God loves me less. This is not the Christian way.

So if you find yourself being like me – stop it.

As Paul tells Timothy, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1Timothy 6:6-8)

In other words, be content with the blessings of your life. God loves you. That’s all that really matters.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in a world where there is always bigger and better, help me to be content with the myriad of blessings that you have given me. Forgive my coveting and pettiness. I do thank you for your love and especially your son. Help me to always see the big picture. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Just for the record, it’s not that I don’t have unique gifts. While I cannot play a musical instrument, very few preachers can put an entire congregation to sleep as quickly as I can. I am pretty sure that is my gift.

I pray your day is filled with joy, peace and love.

Tom Robbins