By Jim Rast
We need first to understand the definition of the word Covet. To covet is a want to satisfy oneself. It is more commonly used in the sense of self love. As- To want someone else’s job, wife or motorcycle that you might elevate your statist, fulfill your lust or change your appearance to others. Your concern is in self, alone.
The definition of desire is mostly used as a want to include others in your well being. As- to desire to have children, to take a trip or to get a promotion. Here we see desire is personal but it includes others to partake in it with you to their benefit; as in these examples it is your family. See the difference? We should choose our words carefully.
Lust is the want to satisfy the flesh. It is purely a flesh thing. It has no connection to the coveting of what others have to raise your image or to desire to share your well being. It is self gratification of flesh.
Coveting leads to more ungodliness. Coveting begins in the mind (your spirit) and if allowed it will cause you to formulate a plan to achieve this want. Then comes stealing, adultery or murder.
As we have studied the Ten Commandments we have discovered they begin with the most important, Love God down to coveting. The first commandment, Love God, puts all others in order for, if you did love God completely all other Commandments would automatically be kept. Not to keep the First Commandment, with no love for God at all, will keep you out of Heaven and send you to hell. The last Commandment is the beginning of breaking of each of the Commandments for it dwells on self love. We all have a tendency to reserve some love for self, hence we still sin. The Commandments were given that we might know sin. When our love for God comes forth and we learn of our sin, we ask for forgiveness.
I have enjoyed writing about the Commandments and have learned from doing so. The Bible asks the question, “When we teach, do we not also learn?” It is my desire that more people in our country will take up teaching them.
Matthew 7:13-14. Many go down the broad way through the wide gate to hell. Few go down the narrow path through the strait gate into Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6. What is the “narrow path” and “the way”? The narrow path to the strait gate could it be the Ten Commandments? Could the strait gate be Jesus, who broke not one Commandment (a keeper of the Law)? Could Jesus mean when he said he was “the way” be the Law, the Commandments? I John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh”. Does the Word include the Ten Commandments? When he said he was “the truth” was that not the fulfillment of the prophesies? And when he said , “I am the life” is that not when he was in the body and blood in life, he kept the Commandments and lived the fulfillment of the prophesies? Believe it, repent and you shall be saved. You will have everlasting life.
Keep and teach the Commandments and be blessed!
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