Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15-21; I Thessalonians 5:18

The ten commandments are a standard of principles in which good behavior is is commanded. In obeying his commands, God is pleased. The 10th commandment, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s” is a command to respect and love our neighbor.

To covet is to desire what others have and/or to desire an abundance of something. The opposite of covet is grateful. Grateful is to be thankful and content. There is no need to compare and to want what others have or to seek to gain an abundance of things because the blessings are from God.

In the parable, the rich man was blessed with plenty but he wanted more. He planned to tear down his present barn to build a greater barn house to store more goods. He was storing out of desire, not of need. He did not consider what would happen to his possessions if his soul had been required of him. The sin of covetousness does not consider the giver of blessing and life. It is a need to satisfy self and not thinking about the needs of others. It produces feelings of insecurity and greed. In this parable, Jesus is telling us that (1) tomorrow is not promised to us (2) we can’t take anything when we die and (3) our soul is what God requires of us.

Being grateful is a spirit of contentment and an assurance in the belief that God is in all things. It is pleasure to praise him for our blessings and to share with others. When we think of the goodness of God, thoughts of self-satisfaction will not overcome us. Part of being grateful is to acknowledge the good that others receive and to be happy for them.

The desire to want more or to do better than the next person is rapid throughout the world. Covetousness leads to even worse actions, such as vengeance and even murder. This commandments keep us align with the will of God. “In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” In faith, you learn to accept all the blessings that he gives in the both good and the unpleasant events. There is nothing in life that he does not know about. A spirit of gratefulness will produce humility and a constant flow of praise to God, who gives all a great portion of his mercy and grace.

This entire message from our Pastor Koromah “Grateful” on our Facebook page. Join us and tell somebody just how good Jesus is to you. You may contact us at 1pathtojesus@gmail.com.

God bless you and your families.