“Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’” (Luke 12:13-15). In this context, the Lord gave a warning to this man. “Beware of covetousness” is a warning that mankind still needs to listen to.
To be covetous means to be overly eager or desirous to obtain money, possessions or position. This sinful desire is directed toward something that belongs to someone else. Because of such a strong desire for another’s goods, finance or status, a covetous man will never be satisfied.
Have you ever noticed what many people are looking for? Television reveals to us what is considered the latest in clothes, perfume, makeup and automobiles. People will often place great emphasis on things in their lives, until that becomes the most important part of their existence. But remember, Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
I can remember thinking how much I needed to have a car of my own when my 16th birthday came. After all, several of my friends had received cars on their birthday. I knew exactly what car I wanted. I even knew the color it needed to be, both for the exterior and interior so that it would have the “right look.”
It wasn’t until I was 19 that I bought my first car. It was the wrong color, and it was several years old. But by then I was grateful just to have transportation. During this time, I can still remember dad telling me that it wasn’t the car’s looks that was important. The important things were if the motor, transmission and brakes were in good shape. It wouldn’t matter how good the car looked if it didn’t run well. After all, getting you from point A to point B is what a car is for.
Many people today place a top priority on the “right look.” They live their lives trying to look right, live in the right house and drive the right car. All the while, the Lord knows that if a person doesn’t obey His word and put Him first in their life, all the “right looks” cannot save him.
Jesus told some of the Scribes and Pharisees that they were laying aside the commandment of God while holding on to the traditions of men instead. Let’s notice what He told them in Mark 7.
“Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (verses 6-7).
Then in verse 9, Jesus continued by saying, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” Many continue doing the same thing spiritually today.
God looks on the inside of a man. He is interested in your spiritual running condition, not how many coats of paint and polish you might have in order to achieve the “right look.”
Man is called to respond to the Lord and His will by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). It is important that your life is turned toward God by obeying His commandments (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).
With a covetous heart you may develop a desire for many things of this world. But since the things of this world are all temporary, how much will this sinful desire help you?
1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
So, what is really important to you? Jesus said to “beware of covetousness.” If the Lord is not first in your life each day, the worldly attitude of covetousness can easily take over your life. Don’t allow Satan to win your soul!