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| More Please! |
| Tuesday, April 14, 2009 |
 When my kids were growing up they enjoyed watching the movie OLIVER at their grandma's home. One of the most memorable moments in the movie is when Oliver works up the courage to approach the headmaster, who is feasting, and ask for more food. He wasn't happy with his provision; he wanted more.
Most of us would think that's a fair desire, especially given his circumstances and the miserly way that the school handed out provisions. But it begs a question for me: Am I generally unsatisfied with God's provision in my life?
I've been thinking a lot about coveting lately....what is it exactly?......is it something that I'm guilty of?......all the time?
The tenth commandment instructs us to not covet anything in life; to be happy with what we're given, and to not insist that we have more. Or, as the Apostle Paul put it:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)
So here's a checklist for discovering a covetous heart:
1. If I buy things too cheap, I have a covetous heart.
2. If I hold out for a higher price when I sell, I have a covetous heart.
3. If I give too little, I have a covetous heart.
4. If I must have that dress, I have a covetous heart.
5. If I read romance novels or look at porn, I have a covetous heart.
6. If I long for attention, approval, or admiration, I have a covetous heart.
7. If I'm not happy with what God has given me, I have a covetous heart.
Now, we certainly need to qualify the first two. If I buy things too cheap, or hold out for more money on the sale of my house so that I can use what I save to get other things, then I have a covetous heart. However, if I'm buying cheap and selling expensive so that I can facilitate my generous heart, then I'm certainly not being covetous...I'm being a wise steward of God's resources, which He gives me to share with others. But this only works if I'm a generous giver.
So, where are you at with that list? Are you content with all that you've been given, or do you eagerly seek more so that you can lavish your self-worth with gifts of self-love?
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posted by Alan @ 11:41 AM   |
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Name: Alan
Home: Canada
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