Christian Contentment

Godliness with contentment is a great gain, Paul tells us in First Timothy 6:6. We are to be content with what we have. We have a similar command in the Ten Commandments. We are not to covet what our neighbor has. But what does that really mean? Are we never to want anything new? Are we not to desire anything we don't have? If we actually stopped wanting things, wouldn't the whole economy of our country collapse? How does this make any sense? Where does it apply?

These are good questions. We are to be content, we are told. But content is a word we don't always use correctly. To be content does not mean that we don't work or don't try to earn a living. Indeed, what it means is we are not basing our lives off of the fact of what new item we currently desire.

Coveting things overlaps with lust. We often only attribute lust to the world of sensual pleasure. But we can lust after a new house, car, job, or phone as well. Be can desire things to an unhealthy level and obsess over them. This is unBiblical. It is what we are warned against in these two passages.

Coveting, or lust, is one of the base sins. We usually fall for it before we do something that is a more visible sin. We covet, therefore we justify some other sin. God tells us that even if we don't take it to action, we will be judged by our hearts. This is one reason that coveting is so dangerous.

So what is the difference between wanting a new car or house and coveting? Well, first off we should ask ourselves why? Why do we want a new or additional item? Do we need it? Or do we just want the shiny new thing because it is the shiny new thing? Are we just after it because our neighbor has one now? Did we buy it because it has some use or because it is a sign of how great and wonderful we are? The matter of coveting lies where all sin lies - in the heart.

Conclusion

Coveting, lust, gluttony. These are all words for similar concepts. The desire for items for our own ego. How do we avoid these sins? We need to turn to God and ask Him to help us. We need to remember that we are to be content. The best way to be content is to give thanks. So, instead of coveting; give thanks. That is the best way to turn from coveting to contentment.