June 8

Covetousness

"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses." Luke 7:15

This is one of the red flags which our Lord hung out - which most people nowadays do not seem to regard much. Christ said a great deal about the danger of riches; but not many people are afraid of riches. Covetousness is not practically considered a sin in these times. If a man breaks the sixth or eighth commandment, he is branded as a criminal and covered with shame; but he may break the tenth commandment, and he is only enterprising. The Bible says the love of money is a root of all evil; but every man who quotes the saying puts a terrific emphasis on the word "love," explaining that it is not money - but only the love of it, that is such a prolific root.

To look about one - one would think a man’s life did consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. Men think they become great, just in proportion as they gather wealth. So it seems, too; for the world measures men by their bank account. Yet there never was a more fatal error. A man is really measured by what he is in his character - and not by what he has. You may find a shriveled soul in the midst of a great fortune - and a grand, noble soul in the barest poverty.

The first thing is to gather into our life - all the truly great and noble things of character. Here are two texts to ponder, because they settle this question:

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

"Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7

Notice there is no encouragement to think on possessions - no exhortation to accumulate possessions.