In I Cor. 6, we find covetousness listed along with fornication, adultery and drunkenness, with only a comma between. men who are guilty of these practices shall not inherit the kingdom of God. In Col. 3:5, we read that covetousness is idolatry, and in I John 5:21, that children of God should keep themselves from idols.
The dictionary defines covetousness as an unrestrained desire for something that another person has. In the seven woes of the fifth chapter of Isaiah, verse 8, we read: "Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, until there be no place that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth."
The Scripture warns against emulations in Gal. 5:20. Webster defines emulations as the desire to equal or surpass or rivalry. "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Gal. 5:26) "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." (I Tim. 6:10)
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:24), Jesus said, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Mammon is defined as riches regarded as an object of worship and the greedy pursuit thereof.
In Philippians 4:5, we read, "Let your moderation be known unto all men." The dictionary lists moderation as the avoidance of extremes, not being excessive.
As a believer in Christ who wishes to have a part in the first resurrection and who expects to leave this earth, perhaps without a moment's notice, should our lifestyle be one of ostentatious display? "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (I John 2:15)
The rich young ruler who came to Jesus asking what he could do to inherit eternal life went away sorrowful. Though he was of sterling character, he had a covetous heart, and the Scripture does not relate that he ever "sold out," distributed to the poor and followed Jesus.
--Excerpt: Silver Lining - October 1980 issue
About Me
- pilgrim and stranger
- Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
--Hebrews 10:23-25
For quite some time, the promptings of the Lord (through this Scripture) have been to begin this site as a means of exhortation and encouragement in these times.
God is so great that He is able to use even faulty instruments and weak servants for His purposes.
Your prayers are entreated that this site may fulfill what He chooses for it.
Please read the purpose statement for this site in the first posting.
Disclaimer: While the poster(s) to this site are affiliated with the Apostolic Christian Church of America, this is not an official Apostolic Christian Church website.