Posted free of charge! We are to be content with food and clothing . . . .

Covetousness isn’t something we really talk about these days, so let me define it. According to Merriam-Webster, covetousness is, “A strong desire to obtain some supposed good.” Now let me give us another perspective on covetousness from Colossians 3:5, where Paul says, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Did you see that? Paul says covetousness is idolatry! We may think of idolatry as statues and all those things, but the root behind it is unrighteous desire. God has given us the key to overcoming covetousness, and it is contentment. Contentment moves us away from idolatry and closer to the heart of God, while covetousness distances us from God and drives us to the altars of idolatry. This is why the author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6). You can see from this passage how covetousness is clearly the same as adultery. Angela coveted other men, not allowing Justin to meet her needs. Here we are told to be content with God, knowing He will meet all our needs. If we turn to some other source outside of Him and His prescribed means of living, that is idolatry! Here’s what this means: When a believer knows the will of God, yet intentionally chooses their own desires instead, that is idolatry. They have chosen to worship their desires over God. When you look at your own goals, priorities, and habits, which would you say is stronger in your life—covetousness or contentment? How can you pursue a life of greater contentment? Here is some great accompanying scripture. “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:5-6‬ ‭NIV And finally an accompanying song and excellent video called “Satisfied” by About a Mile. https://youtu.be/6KzB6XkIuIo God bless