Worthless Treasures
Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:2-3)
Things we obtain in this life are gifts from God. He watches out for us and gives us what we need. But when people desire something they cannot have (that's a fair definition of the word "covet" in the Ten Commandments), their ill-gotten treasures are of no value. In fact, they are not only valueless, they are worse than useless. That's because, in the end, they will only be added to a person's long list of sins.
Coveting someone else's treasure is a temptation many of us face from time to time. The only way out of that sin is to bring it before the Lord, either privately or with the help of your pastor, so that you can be assured of God's forgiveness. And we need to ask God to continuously help us fight against this temptation. The more we give in to any temptation, the more it turns into a craving - and a craving is a hard thing to fight. Fortunately, we have the sure defense: God's Word of forgiveness, promise, and victory over that very temptation.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How many things that you "wish you had" do you REALLY need?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God for patience and contentment as blessings come and go in our lives. Place all your wants and needs in his hands, knowing that he provides.