Covetousness (2)

 

'You shall not covet...' Exodus 20:17 NKJV
      

  


This question has probably been asked throughout the ages; 
why do we keep giving in to sinful desires? For two reasons: (1) Because the new birth doesn't automatically do away with the old nature. Our natures are like two cars approaching crossroads at the same time, your old and new natures are always on a collision course. If you ever have played chicken as a kid you know what I mean. The goal in chicken is to ride towards another and see who chicken's out first. But with our spiritual natures they seem to want to collide and collide. It's a circle that only God can help you break. (2) Because if you dwell on a desire long enough, yielding is only a matter of time. Ever gone to your fridge when you weren't really hungry, but weren't really satisfied, sort of looking for something to grab you? As bad as that is, it's worse when you do it in life. It's like surfing the web of behavior options, looking for something to make you happier than you are at that particular moment. When you covet something, you embellish and empower it, making it more attractive and accessible. A one-night stand? You say, 'Nobody will ever know.' The Bible says, 'Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that also will he reap.' (Galatians 6:7 NKJV) As surely as a seed produces a harvest, your decisions will have consequences. Covetousness just maximises the desire while minimising the danger. It's impossible to dwell on a desire for any length of time without rationalising a way to get it. Like starting the countdown on the space shuttle, it's just a matter of time before you get liftoff. So if you're dwelling on it, set the clock; yielding is inevitable. What's the answer? Change your focus! 'Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.' (Romans 8:5 NKJV) You are loved...