And you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s. Deuteronomy 5:21
Heard the phrase “the grass is always greener”? This seems to be a problem all the way back beginning with Cain and Abel. Coveting is also an old world term meaning a strong desire for which that is another’s. Jealousy seems to be cousin of coveting. Our fleshly desires seem to be always looking for something ‘better’, rather than being grateful and content with what we have presently. Many a person’s peace has been usurped by this jealous and covetous nature within us.
In Hebrew the word covet is chamad (khaw-mad’) meaning to desire, take pleasure in. Here is the temptation that one faces when a person is naturally attracted to someone. If self control is not strong then the temptation leads to steps that will result in sin. The same desire and temptation is also with anything else, house, yard, employees, car, furnishings, etc. that a person has. Jealousy raises it’s evil head and plots and plans to steal or obtain that which is not theirs.
How does one face these temptations and win? Through Him. Refocus on Him and what He has given you, and begin thanking Him for all the blessings you have presently. If you dwell on the thing the temptation is focused on … you will automatically begin thinking and plotting of how to obtain them. The first battle is always in the mind. That’s why Paul tells us to bring every thought captive to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) If one can win the battle in the mind then so much will be better going forward and peace can settle in one’s life.
Gratefulness is the counter to coveting. Learning to divert one’s attention back to your own blessings rather than comparing who you are and what you have to everything and everyone else. Learn to make a habit of thanking God for all that you have, if need be on a daily basis, if you are struggling with temptations of having ‘more’ things, or desiring another person.
Allow Christ to become your sufficiency in ALL things and areas in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in that path of contentment, knowing what He is preparing for you — for your eternity with Him. The keys to contentment and peace are actually found in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. You must allow Him to be working the garden of your life, and yanking out the weeds, and planting the trees in your life that will produce His desired fruit in your life.
This battle of the mind is crucial in advancing the path and plan He has for your life. Learn how to fight that battle with His advice and ‘Word’ / Rhema. (Ephesians 6)