“One of the consequences of covetousness is that it destroys the capacity to discern sufficiency.”

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 93). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I know for the most part the thoughts that will get the most people to stop and read. But I also don’t want to waist my time in just reading fluff stuff. I want to be challenged by my reading. And that is why I picked up this book by James MacDonald.

Now a continuation of complaining which we’ve been looking at is coveting. We want, want, want because we know what will make us happy.

But James says, “When your life is a covetous life and you’re living for something else— more, better, or different; or perhaps a relationship, a possession— when desires for something are controlling you, you lose your capacity to discern sufficiency. And enough is never enough.”

Later he says, “Now I’m not saying that money or possessions equal sin. I am not saying that the most covetous person is the wealthiest person. There is no direct correlation between wealth and covetousness. The most covetous person you know may also be the one with the least. There is no direct connection between what you have and what you desire. It has everything to do with your attitude. Do I love people or do I love things? Am I looking to the future regarding people I can impact for Christ or regarding things I can acquire for myself? Am I a covetous person? You may say, ‘I’m going to beat the odds.’ No, you’re not! Millions have tried and failed before you. ‘I’m going to be the one person— money is going to make me happy.’ No, it isn’t. One of the consequences of covetousness is enough is never enough.”

He goes on, “I expect readers to put up resistance to these truths. You may well be reading this but not buying it. After all, covetousness has deep roots in our lives. Your thoughts may sound something like, ‘Whatever … but I’m going to beat the odds. I’m gonna have God and ____( fill in the blank)’. It’s your choice, of course. But I’m telling you, life in the wilderness is where you’re headed if you want God and …; if there’s something else you have to have.”

We just need to be reminded of some things, don’t we?

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