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Dear Disciple,
The next thing in Colossians 3:5 that the Apostle Paul says that we are to put to death is Greed, or covetousness, which, he says, is idolatry. Now, you may notice that bibles will translate the Greek word here into English as either “greed” or “covetousness” In English today “greed” seems to mean the desire for an excessive amount of something and covetousness seems to mean the inappropriate desire for something which you don’t presently own or have. Both are far broader in meaning than sexual immorality, and either could be said to be tantamount to idolatry. Our word “covetousness” seems to fit the context better. Covetousness seems to be at the root of all the previous mentioned issues and sins. Covetousness places the object of one’s desire at the center of ones focus and devotion. One thinks much about the thing or person coveted, and plans and strategies as to how one might obtain it. All other considerations get put to the side. Anything and everything may be sacrificed at the altar of obtaining that which is coveted. The thing, the object, must be had. Covetousness and greed warp the brain, skew the heart, and twist the life focus. God gets pushed off the throne. Instead of “seeking the things above where Christ is” the object of the greed or covetousness is sought with greater passion and affection. It displaces Christ. It becomes a god. It is idolatry. Whether it be a nagging desire for whatever is bigger and better, a lustful want for a more perfect spouse, a focus on possession of a material object, it becomes the operating organizing principle of your inner life and it crowds God out. Dear disciple, look into your heart. What is that thing for you today? What is keeping you from setting your affections on things above where Christ is? Likely it is something you covet, which is eating away at your peace and contentment, and displacing Christ from being the center of your life. |
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