2011-02-13 - The Tenth Commandment

The Ten Commandments ~ Part 65
Tenth Commandment ~ Part 7

Focusing on the Positive

The second point here is: how do we turn this command around, and bring something positive from it? Instead of worrying about how to stop coveting, let's focus on the opposite idea. If coveting is "To feel immoderate desire for that which is another's," then what would the opposite action be?

Instead of wanting what our neighbor has, we should desire them to have what we have that which they need. As with our handling of a couple of other commandments, the thought here can be an awareness of how we can help out those who are our neighbors. Their greatest need may be to know the Lord, so we must live a life that will be a factor in their having the opportunity to come to know Christ.

As Christ lived for others, so must we also live, taking what the Lord in His grace has given us, and using it for those who are our neighbors. What are some ways that you can think of that we - as individuals and as a body - can see to the needs of those around us?

"You Shall not covet," "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes …, is not from the Father, but is from the world." Instead, let us live a life that testifies to the reality of Christ. "… Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly:… if service, in his serving;… he who gives, with liberality … Let love be without hypocrisy … Be devoted to one another in brotherly love… contributing to the needs of the saints,…"

And if we would keep all the commandments as Christ would have us do as believers and His servants, then we must remember His words; "… You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your Strength … You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Exodus 20:17; 1 John 2:15-16; Romans 12:6-10,13; Mark 12:30-31).

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

Additional studies by Geoff
Podcasts of Studies in Matthew can be found at www.GKragen.com