PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE BIBLE AND
COVETOUSNESS
Devotional Text:
Heb. 13:5-6
Introduction:
According to the EN English Dictionary, “covetousness is that
inordinate desire for the possession of something, especially wealth or money”.
And, on this excessive desire for wealth or money, the Scriptural text of this
lesson cautions the believer, as it says, “let your conversation be without
covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have, for he hath said, I
will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (vs. 5 KJV). To this end, also, Jesus
says…”take heed, and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consist not in
the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15), which implies
that the believer should cultivate the discipline of contentment.
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) Covetousness
is idol worship before God, (Col. 3:5)
(2) Covetousness
should not be named among the saints, (Eph. 5:3)
(3) Covetousness
makes one a fool before God, (Luke 12:15-20)
(4) Covetousness
makes one poor toward God, (Vs 15-21)
COVETOUSNESS AS IDOLATRY
The Holy Bible refers to covetousness as idolatry for the simple
fact that it occupies the place of God in the heart(s) of its victim(s).
Covetousness drives towards the acute acquisition of wealth or money, leaving
little or no room for the worship of God. So, a covetous person worships wealth
instead of God. For no one can serve two masters at the same time, for either
he will hate one and love the other or else he will hold to one and despise the
other. And so, no one can serve God and mammon, (Matt. 6:24). In line with
this, therefore, Jesus says, “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, that is, excessive desire for something
or overindulgence, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so the day of
the Lord comes on you unawares”, (Luke 21:34). Based on the foregoing, please
note that covetousness is that idol that:
(i)
makes one devote more time to one’s business against the worship
and services of the Lord, (Luke 12:15-21)
(ii)
stirs excessive drive for material things against fellowship and devotion
to God, (vs 15-21)
(iii)
inspires one into overindulgence in wealth and money against the
love of God and His kingdom, (vs 15-21)
COVETOUSNESS
AND CONTENTMENT
Once again, “let your conversation be without covetousness and be
content with such things as ye have: for he says, I will not leave, nor forsake
you”, (Heb. 13: 5). Here is another faithful promise of the Lord, to keep the
believer throughout his endeavours on earth, as He urges them to toe the path
of contentment, instead of covetousness. According to the AD free version of
the English Dictionary, contentment is “the state of happiness with one’s
situation in life”. The Lord expects the believer to be happy and satisfy in
every situation in life, that is, whether he is in affluence or not, as well as
shun every tendency of covetousness.
This implies that the believer should heartily know that:
(i)
godliness with contentment is great gain, (1 Tim. 6:6)
(ii)
all manner of his conversation should be devoid of covetousness,
(Heb 13:5)
(iii)
the Lord never forsakes those who are contented with what they
have, (vs 5)
COVETOUSNESS
AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The
Word of God, also, shows that… “no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ
and of God, (Eph. 5:5). The cited Scripture, once again shows that covetousness
is idolatry, and a monster that bars its victims out of the kingdom of Heaven.
In the words of Apostle Peter, false prophets and teachers who through
covetousness and feigned words make merchandise of the people will face eternal
damnation, (2 Peter 2:1-3). This, as well, is a clarion call to be wary of the
covetous tendency in certain modern preachers, and in turn avoid them. The
simple lesson in the above lines is that:
(i)
covetousness could cost one the Kingdom of God, (Eph. 5:5)
(ii)
both false prophets and teachers could be damned by reason of
covetousness, (2 Peter 2:1-3)
(iii)
covetousness which is said to
be idolatry will send people to hell, if they fail to repent (Rev.21:8)
In conclusion, this lesson
is an attempt to draw the attention of the believer to the biblical truth that
covetousness is a mark of godlessness, as contentment is a sign of godliness,
which gives the believer the confidence and boldness to always declare his trust
in the living God, (Heb. 13: 5-6). The lesson, equally, points to the damnable
and final destination of the victims of covetousness, which is the eternal lake
of fire, (Rev. 21:8), and by this, advises the believer to ensure that every
covetous tendency in his life is dealt with, without compromise. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
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