Printer-Friendly  |  Share This  |  Subscribe

John Ritenbaugh, giving three paraphrases of coveting, observes that coveting begins as a desire emanating from both without and within. The breaking of every other commandment emanates from the breaking of this commandment. Our nation's current economic woes derive from widespread covetousness and greed motivated by advertising urging us to conform and keep up with the Joneses, hedonistically living the luxurious good life. Credit, over the long run, slows down business. Accumulated interest (usury) makes it increasingly impossible to pay back the principal. Because of corruption, greed, and covetousness, modern Israel has made itself the economic slaves of Gentile nations. Following our conversion, we must mortify the old man and put on the new man, following the example of our Elder Brother Jesus Christ, walking in love in selfless concern for others. We must be willing to face some realities: human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism. We must seek God first through studying, praying, meditating, and fasting. In our prayers we must concentrate on interceding for others and praising God. We need to adopt true values about what we think about ourselves and other, living soberly, righteously and godly, allowing God's grace to polish our character, knowing that right thoughts produce right conduct.

Accumulation of things Art Linkletter Bribery Conversion Coveting Credit card debt Credit Earl Nightengale Evil desire Fannie Mae Follow the leader Fornication and uncleanness Freddie Mac Grace Greed Hearst Castle Human nature Idolatry Instant gratification Interest Ira Hayes Lust Passion Paul Harvey Pornography Protestant work ethic Putting on new man Rapacious buying Robert Schuler Self-indulgence Thankfulness Thoughts Usury Wealth William Randolph Hearst Tenth Commandment

If you would like to be notified when this transcript is available, please enter your email address in the space below and click the button.

Your Email Address: