My title for this devotion is Eternal vs Temporary.

What is the worst sin you can think of?

• Adultery.  Yeah that’s bad. On many levels.
• Cheating. That too. No one likes to be taken advantage of.
• Lying. Ugly. Telling the truth is always the best way to go.
• Cussing and Swearing. Yep. Vulgarity is not becoming to a follower of Christ.
• Disrespect. That is bad. No one likes being put down or disregarded.

I could list any sin and we would be able to pinpoint its danger. But there may be one sin we may have what I will call a “rationalizing point” with. Now, when we call it what it is-using the name the Bible calls it-it doesn’t sound so cool

That word? Covetousness.

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

When put that way it sounds so different from “I needed that” or “I bought that because it look so cute” or “I had to have that new TV-bigger and smarter.” You get the picture. Wanting something just to have something; wanting something because it is up-to-date; wanting something because it is the better model; wanting something because it looks good or makes you feel better; all are very poor (translated: lousy) reasons/excuses for that thing.

Jesus followed up the words in verse 15 with a parable of a rich man who wanted to build bigger barns, not knowing his life will be ending. And he was blunt. He said, “You fool…”

When I buy things; when I get that glassy-eyed look and wipe drool off my chin; when I get in the “have to have” mode, I’m no different than the rich man in the parable. I’m not looking at life with an eternal perspective.

“Father, help me stay focused on things in the light of eternity. Help me to see covetousness for the insidious trap it is. Help me to choose the eternal. Always.”