“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20:17 ESV. Coveting someone else’s life is not only wrong; it is dangerous. While chasing after the lifestyle, worldly goods, popularity, or power of others, I cannot accurately and passionately pursue the plan God has for me. When coveting the life of someone else, we tend to “cherry-pick,” wanting the good things they enjoy, all the while, ignoring or minimizing the problems and difficulties they endure. It is, in fact, nothing more than chasing after a life that doesn't even exist. Our desire should be set completely on the life God has for each of us. Great Shepherd of my Soul please forgive my momentary excursions into the squalor of jealousy. Your plan for me is perfectly calibrated with all things necessary to fulfill my divinely designed purpose.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
Comments
Post a Comment