In Exodus 20:17, we learn simply: “Thou shalt not covet”.
In other words, don’t be jealous.
Why?
Why would this make the Lord’s Top Ten List for basic commandments that He wanted the children of Israel to follow, and that He still asks us to follow today?
I think I’ve realized that jealousy is one of the biggest signs of where our heart is.
If I’m over here spending all my time jealous of my friend’s beautiful new backyard, or that trip that they just went on, or the bonus I know that they got…
Then I’m not spending my time loving them.
I’m probably a lot less likely to want to serve them.
I probably am not praying for them.
And it also means my heart isn’t showing gratitude.
I’m probably not overwhelmed and grateful with how dependent I am on the Lord.
I might not be as willing to pay tithing.
My heart starts to worry about the wrong things.
This is a tough one in today’s super materialistic world, and it’s not a commandment I’ve conquered yet.
But I think it is worth every effort to try and root out that pride and jealousy.
Because then we make a little bit more room to love.
“Most ‘thou shalt not’ commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.” – Jeffrey R. Holland
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
