COVETOUSNESS DESTROYS FAMILIES
BY Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
Ps 10:3 “For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.”
Covetousness is the desire to have that which belongs to others , it is also described as greed . This is the desire to have more than is needed
Nations of the earth are given resources by God sufficient to cater for citizens and an equitable distribution of resources guarantees social security of citizens . Any imbalance in the distribution of resources results in destruction of lives and properties . This is the reason behind the level of insecurity and underdevelopment of many countries .
Poverty is man –made and a result of covetousness ,God condemns this in both the old and new testaments . Ananias and Saphira paid the ultimate price as a result of covetousness in the church (Acts 5) . Greedy persons are tools in the hands of Satan and are a hindrance to the spread of the gospel.
The questions one should always ask is : of what benefit is my job or business to the spread of the gospel? In what ways can I bring souls into God’s kingdom with my finances.? Of what benefit is my presence in my Christian family? How many souls have I brought into God’s kingdom with my resources? Will I be able to stand before the lord to give account of how I used the resources in my care.
Covetousness opens doors to other destructive tendencies; they include pride and arrogance - disrespect for persons in authority and the less privileged. Ps 10:3 TLB “ For these men brag of all their evil lusts; they revile God and congratulate those the Lord abhors, whose only goal in life is money.” Pride goes with an unhealthy obsession for money. They often stay away from church meetings for fear of giving offerings.
Covetousness opens the door to selfishness and self-centeredness. This is a major destroyer of marriages. The self-centered spouse has no regards for his or her partner’s opinion and are very poor at displaying affection. A covetous man sees his wife as a property to be dominated. The bible describes such a husband in Isa 56:11 TLB And they are as greedy as dogs, never satisfied; they are stupid shepherds who only look after their own interest, each trying to get as much as he can for himself from every possible source.”
They compromise on righteousness and are disobedient (Ezekiel33:31) support men of violence and treasury looters (Micah 2:2) Hypocritical and deceitful , the scriptures describes covetous preachers and their followers in Mic 3:11-12 TLB you leaders who take bribes; you priests and prophets who won't preach and prophesy until you're paid. (And yet you fawn upon the Lord and say, "All is well-the Lord is here among us. No harm can come to us.") .
We should always pray to be given a hunger for heavenly virtues to avoid being caught in covetousness.
Prayer : Heavenly Father , forgive me of my sins against you , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation i receivr him as Lord and receive grace to walk in humility and to be a light to my generation .
+2348035536911, +2348098536911michaelbensonajayi@ gmail.com
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