A Calvin Theological Seminary Publication by Students & Alumni
Do Not Covet

Do Not Covet

We want what we don’t have

Since the dawn of time humanity has desired things that others have, or things that they are not allowed to have. All that it takes is to read the first three chapters of Genesis to recognize this fatal flaw. Although it’s difficult to imagine Eve feeling tempted to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, it would be fair to say that it didn’t take much arm twisting by the serpent to get her and Adam to cave.

Throughout the Old Testament, you find characters like Cain who desired the affirmation of God for his dirt worship (offering God the thing which he had cursed), Saul longed for the blessing that David had (and attempted to kill him on this account), Solomon desired that which God had instructed the people of Israel to never desire: to marry foreign women. 

We have a coveting problem

When we talk about “coveting”, I usually think about the commandment to “not covet thy neighbour’s wife or livestock” (Exodus 20:17). As a kid I remember being taught the meaning of coveting as materially inclined; meaning that I wasn’t allowed to be jealous of the house, family, toys, or cars that other people had in life.

But that is not the depth of the commandment

I have had many discussions with believers about calling, God’s provision, and the plan He has for his kids. Personally I have experienced the providence of God in a tangible way. First was being called to ministry in a city that I would later move to, yet would step out in faith trusting that God would give me work to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. On both faith exercises God provided a job and a place for me to call home without needing to do much leg work.

All of these things are only done by God’s benevolence

It is almost inevitable that some individuals will complain that “these other kids get everything handed to them on a silver platter” or “Why doesn’t God provide for me like that?”

Because your life will never be the same as others

And the difficulty for some is to long for what others have at the expense of praying for what God has for us It’s one thing to desire the convenience of a kitchen-aid pasta roller attachment for ones stand mixer (one thing I would like to have, yet can’t afford) or to desire a family. It’s another thing to desire to have the exact same things that God has ordained for others around you. The heart of the issue is dissatisfaction in the unique calling God has for each of us.

When we covet the blessing of others, we curse the call God has for us

What does this mean for us? It means that instead of looking at the blessing of others as a template and a prayer wishlist to ask God for, we must take a step back and think about what God has called each of us to do, and pray that God would foist us into the plan and purpose he has for each of us.

Long for the plot God plants you in

44,715 Comments

  1. I feel that is among the so much significant info for me. And i am satisfied studying your article. However should commentary on some basic issues, The site style is ideal, the articles is in reality excellent : D. Excellent activity, cheers

  2. Your thing regarding creating will be practically nothing in short supply of awesome. This informative article is incredibly useful and contains offered myself a better solution to be able to my own issues. Which can be the specific purpose MY PARTNER AND I has been doing a search online. I am advocating this informative article with a good friend. I know they are going to get the write-up since beneficial as i would. Yet again many thanks.

  3. I seriously love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you make this website
    yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create
    my very own website and want to learn where you got this from
    or exactly what the theme is called. Cheers!

  4. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve learn this put up and if I could I wish to counsel you some fascinating things or
    advice. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to learn more things about it!

  5. Hi there very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb ..
    I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?
    I am satisfied to find numerous helpful information here within the publish, we’d like develop
    extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing.
    . . . . .

  6. Transparency and legal compliance are the key pillars that build the reputation of QH88’s gaming platform in the online betting industry. link vào qh88 strictly adheres to all legal regulations and is regularly audited by some of the world’s leading independent regulatory bodies, ensuring fairness, safety, and accountability for all users.

  7. 8Xbet.com is gaining significant traction across the online betting world. Known for its modern interface, diverse game portfolio, and user-friendly operations, the platform caters to players of all levels – from beginners to seasoned bettors. It’s no surprise that 8Xbet is becoming one of the most talked-about names in the market.

  8. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read even more things about it!

  9. Founded in 2013, Hubet was created with the mission of providing a secure and trustworthy online betting platform for players in Vietnam.
    The name “Hubet” is a combination of “Hữu” (meaning “useful” in Vietnamese) and “Bet”, symbolizing the platform’s commitment to delivering the most beneficial and rewarding betting experience for its users.

  10. Hubet là một trong những nhà cái cá cược trực tuyến hàng đầu, nổi bật với sự đa dạng trong các sản phẩm cá cược như thể thao, casino trực tuyến, trò chơi slot và bắn cá đổi thưởng đầy hấp dẫn. Với giao diện thân thiện và dễ dàng sử dụng, cùng với hệ thống bảo mật cao và tốc độ giao dịch nhanh chóng, Hubet cam kết mang đến cho người chơi những trải nghiệm cá cược tuyệt vời nhất.

  11. Nevertheless, it’s all carried out with tongues rooted solidly in cheeks, and everybody has got nothing but absolutely love for their friendly neighborhood scapegoat. In reality, he is not merely a pushover. He is simply that extraordinary breed of person solid enough to take all that good natured ribbing for what it really is.

  12. ELIVERA was established in 1988. © ELIVERA LTD was established in 2007. The first project was in 1988. It was carried out in trade with Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

  13. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert
    that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  14. After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service?
    Appreciate it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *