One of the most difficult problems I see in the world today, at least, within in the United States is the issue of coveting. When we think of sin, coveting usually doesn’t enter our minds. But in reality people covet everything! And what’s so frightening is Christians don’t often recognize it when it appears.

What exactly is covetousness?

Basically, it means having a strong desire, longing, or wish for something material that will benefit us. In fact, Jesus tells us;

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will
be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon
[money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Matthew 6:24 (AMP)

Coveting is simply a materialistic, world view in which we obtain everything we possibly can. This may mean more money, nicer cars, power and fame, designer clothes, designer handbags and shoes, a bigger house, a homestead, hoarding food, a big garden, more land, the dream job, climbing the corporate ladder, living in a certain zip code, being a member of an exclusive club, owning your own business, buying a vacation home, taking multiple vacations, or anything which takes time away from God.

You see, God wants us to be happy with what we have, what we’ve been given and if a change is desired by the Lord, he will provide the way. That’s why we should always look to Him for guidance instead of longing for the things we do not have. The Apostle Paul puts it this way;

For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we
have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into
temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin
and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for
it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

And just like the Apostle Paul states, coveting is idolatry!