Covetous Means Lacking

17“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,’^c and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’^d ”

20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”  (Matthew 19:17-20)

Thoughts: The man knew something was missing.  Jesus knew it too.  Perhaps we think on the surface that we are decent people who don't steal, have affairs, lie continually, and we honor our parents and love our neighbors.  The man was discontent because of the one sin he continually committed- the sin of greed or covetousness.  In our culture we may feel that we are supposed to covet that neighbor's car, or house, or the fancy clothes or gourmet food.  Covetousness always leaves a hole in our heart indicating that we are lacking.  In fact the very definition of covetousness is we want something more and we are never satisfied.  In America the sense of entitlement has become an epidemic, and it is fueled by a lack of contentment and peace.  People who are envious or covetous have little peace but lots of unrest. We cannot find peace with God, neighbor or even ourselves when our hearts are full of covetousness.  Let us seek God's peace. 

Prayer: Lord, let me not lack your love or lack faith in you.