Wednesday, 28th February 2024
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How much are you worth?
- At what price will you cave in to compromise?
The society around us has many different trends and influences that shape our values and priorities. An environment of materialism and covetousness is prevalent, we have a political system that seems to endorse laws and social systems that promote divisions based on class, status, and wealth. The media outlets are filled daily with news updates of individuals and families at each other’s necks over an inheritance or any partnership. Blood relations, couples, and tight friends are ready to sacrifice what exists amongst them in pursuit of greed, and selfishness and to outclass each other. This creates a climate where it is easy to become fixated on worldly gain and forget the higher calling of the kingdom of God.
In our focal text, we encounter an individual, likely a younger brother, who perceives a sense of deprivation in the distribution of inheritance between him and his elder brother. He interrupts Jesus' public discourse, seeking his involvement in adjudicating what he perceives as a case of unfair treatment regarding inheritance. Despite the clarity of Jewish laws on inheritance distribution, this man believes the laws are unjust in his situation, prompting his interruption.
The Omniscient Jesus, responds to this request by confronting the core challenge of this young man “…Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15).” This was the heart of the problem, he was covetous – he wanted more than was rightly his. Covetous people are always bent on having what is not rightfully theirs through any means. This vice has led many to murder, steal, jealous, destroy relationships, and lead nations to war.
Dearly beloved in Christ, Jesus concludes this discourse with the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the value of your soul in all your endeavors. He highlights the necessity of being spiritually rich towards God rather than covetously accumulating earthly possessions. Covetousness, highlighted as the tenth commandment in Exodus 20:17, was given by God to guide both the private and public lives of the Israelites. It underscores the importance of a conscious awareness in our pursuits, ensuring that they align with God's word.
May God help us by his Spirit to constantly review our hearts’ desires and to ensure we guard our hearts from the creeping danger of covetousness.
FURTHER READING – Luke 12:13-34
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- What are the safeguards you have consciously established to protect your heart from the grip of covetousness?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, insulate my heart and spirit from the pressures of the world and the cares of life by Your Holy Spirit to protect my life and those around me from the dangers of covetousness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 3; Leviticus 4; Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 13
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