COVETOUSNESS

COVETOUSNESS

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:3

Topic: Covetousness

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you…”

2 Peter 2:3

The dictionary defines covetousness as something “marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another’s possessions, having a craving for possession”. Today the mark of being a man of God is the gathering of material possessions, the exotic cars and big houses. I am in no way suggesting that having any of these things is evil, far from the truth. The scripture is talking about the inordinate affection for such things, the craving for these things which possibly even drive some to do what they should not do in order to possess such material things. The Bible is completely against having this craving for material things! Many live out half of their lives forsaking God, while pursuing worldly good to their own hurts. They wake up too late to realize Solomon was right when he said:

“I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

Ecclesiastes 1:12-14

The church over the years made material wealth the mark of any man’s acceptance by God. Did we really read our Bibles? Paul the apostle in another place made it expressly clear that the lack of contentment is a great destroyer of the believer.

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

1 Timothy 6:5-11

It is so serious that the apostle admonishes Christians to withdraw from anyone that “supposes that gain is godliness.” Have we really read our Bible? Have we? The apostle teaches that any believer who possesses godliness coupled with contentment is in possession of great gain. Not the one with a brand new car, not the one who is buying houses, not the one with money in his accounts rather the one with godliness accompanied by contentment. The great gain of our faith is “godliness with contentment”; any Christian who toys with being content with godliness is in great danger. Notice that Paul again is dealing with covetousness, not just having material possessions.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

1 Timothy 6:10

God is not against the prosperity of His children. How can He be? It is His greatest desire to bless and prosper His children. However, He is not pleased when His children's insatiable obsession with the acquisition of material and temporal possessions take His place in their hearts. This is idolatry! 

Watch our for covetousness. It is dangerous and leads to many other sins.