"Beware Of Covetousness"
Luke 12:15
Idolatry comes in many packages and wears
many names, but none is more deceitful, dangerous, and destructive than
covetousness. How often the Word of God warns us to "beware of
covetousness!" (Col. 3:2-5; Eph. 5:5; I Tim. 6:10-11).
Covetousness is an ardent desire for the
things of this world, an undue affection for and attachment to the riches,
pleasures, and comforts of this world. Some covet the world's money, others
its' applause. Some covet the world's fame, others its' comforts. Some covet
the world's honor, others its' pleasures. But all covetousness is idolatry.
What fools they are who love and seek this
world! I cannot warn you enough of the danger of worldliness, that is of
loving, seeking, and living for this world! "The fashion
of this world passeth away!" Trying to hold to this world is like
gripping sand - The tighter you grip it, the faster it slips away. If you love
and seek the things of this world,you cannot love and
serve the Lord God (Matt.6:24; James 4:4; I John 2:15-17).
Nothing is more likely to ruin your soul
than "covetousness, which is idolatry!" Nothing will more effectually
keep a person from faith in Christ than "covetousness,which
is idolatry"(Lk.
If we would avoid this snare of satan, we must set our affection on things above and get our
priorities in order. Seek grace to honor God in the use of those things with
which you have been trusted. Use what God has given you for hospitality and the
thoughtful care of others. Be generous.Out of our abundance,let
us ever minister to those who are in need and generously provide for the
preaching of the gospel around the world.
Don Fortner