i have no need.

Thou shalt not covet

I’ve been thinking on these words the last few months, tucking them into the back pocket of my mind to be pulled out and reread, re-pondered, re-examined. I finger them, roll them around, get used to the feel of them. Memorize their impression on my heart.

What does this mean? How on earth did this command make it into the Top Ten? Certainly it must deserve more notice than the passing glance and obligatory recitation I’ve given it.

Be content

“For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am….”

This follows close on the heels:

Content.

Satisfied.

Certainly these are contrary to coveting.

Am I? Content? Am I purposing to learn the art of satisfaction?

Boundaries

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places…

To know that God, who set the galaxies in order, has ordered my life. These are the boundaries. Do I embrace them, live here fully, find contentment? Or do I push, prod, peer at the green on the other side?

Covet.

And I wonder soberly, as I finger that word once more: Is this, the last warning of the commandments, a thing capable of completely derailing one from the will of God, from serving His purposes? Where does coveting end? (It doesn’t.)

Do I take this as seriously as my Heavenly Father, who wants His best for me?

“My food is to do the will of He who sent Me.”

There is no coveting in a heart that can say such a thing.

Lord, purify my heart’s desire. Be my desire.

2 Comments i have no need.

  1. Cassandra

    Dear Danica,
    I have recently been convicted in this same way. The command to “not covet…” has also been ringing in my spirit. I really appreciate your insights here. It gives me more to let Him work on :)…and that I deeply need!

    Reply
  2. brietta

    I didn’t get a chance to comment yesterday, but I thought this was so good. Really good.

    Also, I found the kids rain boots a variety of places: Gabriel’s & Jack’s are from Old Navy (Gabriel’s were actually in the girls’ dept, but they’re a blue background with green polka dots, so I liked them better for him anyway); Bronwyn’s and mine are from Target; Aubrey’s were purchased via ebay and are gymboree boots (gymboree seems to be the only company that sells small boots– and even they only sell them for girls. huh.).

    Reply

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