Sept 19

Joshua 7:11-26
Memorise 1 Timothy 6:10
“while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith”

When talking about this 10th commandment, one simple fundamental question that is asked often, is ‘why is it wrong to covet?’ We look around the world and we see almost everyone coveting after something. Unlike killing or stealing, no one is hurt. In fact, we might even observe and think that a bit of ambition and desire is good for us, isn’t it?

Looking into the Bible, we read of the deadly account of one man’s covetousness, of how it led to the judgment and deaths of not just himself, but also to his family, and also 36 other men who died in battle. This is the story of Achan, in Joshua 7. Achan was one of the soldiers who were involved in their first battle in the conquest of the Promised Land – the victory at Jericho. God had given them very clear and explicit instructions, that the city was accursed, and that no one should keep for themselves any loot at all from the spoils of the city. They were to utterly destroy everyone and everything from the city, saving only the silver, gold and vessels of brass and iron for the house of the Lord. Almost everyone in the entire army obeyed, except this man Achan. Because of him, Israel was soundly defeated in the next battle at Ai, and 36 men lost their lives. Achan’s reason for doing what he did, was that when he saw a garment, some silver and gold, he coveted them, took them, and then hid them under his tent.

You see, when he did so, in his mind, he probably decided that he was not happy with God’s instructions for them to destroy everything. He saw it as a waste, and felt that maybe it would be better to take some things for himself. What he showed with his actions, was a heart that did not trust in God’s will, but thought that he knew better as to what was best for himself, and that by hiding those loot, he would be happier and more content. He was not pleased with what God had given him, but wanted more.

Dear Teen, is this the sort of thinking that we have within us as well? Are we satisfied with what God has blessed us with in life? Or are we constantly desiring and seeking for more, always thinking that there is something better out there that God is withholding from us? This is the danger of a covetous heart, for it leads us to question God’s will for our lives. Is this how we are?

Thought: Faith is to be truly content with what I have in life.
Prayer: Lord, may You teach me to be content with what I have, and never to covet after the things that I don’t or cannot have.