Joshua 7:21 (KJV)
When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Under divine instruction, the Israelites were victorious in the siege of Jericho. They were commanded to annihilate all within the city except for Rahab and her family and to set aside the city’s valuable metals – gold, silver, bronze, and iron – for the treasury of the Tabernacle, as these metals held sacred significance to the Lord. All the spoils of Jericho had to be devoted to the Lord, except for the gold and silver to be taken to the Tabernacle. The people were to make no profit from this victory. However, disobedience and covetousness enticed Achan to steal what was sacred to God. It resulted in Achan, his family, and his livestock being rained with stones and their bodies burnt. Achan paid the price of stealing with his life. The stones at the valley of Achor are a reminder of Achan’s sin and the high cost of covetousness.
Covetousness is a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. Covetousness is the love for money and material things. It is mentioned in the Ten Commandments as a grave sin, as Exodus 20:17 states, “you shall not covet… anything that is your neighbor’s.” Covetousness is undeniably a pivotal character trait that holds great importance in religious teachings. The internal vice of covetousness frequently leads to a cascade of external transgressions such as theft, homicide, sexual immorality, and other related offenses. It is a breeding ground for many other sins. Covetousness, the intense desire for something belonging to others, leads to a preoccupation with unnecessary material possessions. This powerful yearning has contributed to various negative societal impacts such as theft, prostitution, corruption, and other criminal and immoral activities. It is essential to acknowledge that these outcomes are not solely attributable to poverty but also to an uncontrolled craving for what others have. Many have had their chances of greatness dashed due to eagerness to make fast gains. To covet worldly things or status not only brings us mental and emotional distress, perceiving a deficiency that wounds our ego, but importantly distracts and separates us from seeking first the Kingdom of God! Christ Jesus in Luke 12:15 said to them, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Beloved, it’s essential to find contentment with what you have so that you can live in complete obedience to God instead of being at the mercy of the devil. Godliness with contentment is a significant gain. Thank God for what you have so that unbelievers will see the light and glorify our Father in Heaven. You have Christ, and that is all you need. Christ in you is the hope of glory, the guarantee that everything else you could ever require is already in you. Guard your heart against greed and covetousness! Never allow them to kill your conscience. Separate yourself from any friend who will talk you into covetousness. Wait patiently for the Lord, and do not worry when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes. Do not join the multitude to do evil (Exodus 23:2). No matter what you may be going through, God is with you, able and willing to help. He is a very present help in trouble. The Lord will satisfy your mouth with every good thing you need in this season and beyond. May money that will take you to hell never enter your hand, in Jesus’ Name. Remember, God remains the Source of true wealth in all ages, for silver and gold are His.
O Lord, take away the spirit of greed and covetousness in my life and help me be content with Your provisions for my life in Jesus’ Name.