I've been meditating a lot on the dangers of coveting. Here are two dangers I'm able to identify.
1. My soul would long for something more than God.
If I spend a lot of time coveting things or people, then what ultimately happens is that my soul longs for something more than God.
That's harsh, but it's true. If I really want a new laptop (who doesn't?), and I get it, then what happens? From the minute I take it out of the box and begin to use it, its value drops and its functionality decreases. It's like a car.
So, whether an item or a person, if I long for it, it will deteriorate and die. It will let me down.
On the other hand, God will never deteriorate or die. Tough choice? I think not. I want God to fulfill me.
2. I would always compare better than some and worse than others.
The other point to consider here is that coveting doesn't really accomplish anything. If you get whatever you covet, you may think you're ahead of someone because of that. But you'll always be behind someone else.
That's humbling and challenging, but it's true. If we covet because we long to be better than others, then we should ask God to reveal the purposelessness of these pursuits. Someone will always have a better car, relationship, friend, tool collection, living room, etc.
We should accept the challenge to continually tell God of our contentment rather than always focusing on our wants. It won't achieve anything!
Have a great Friday everyone.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin