Over the past couple of weeks, we have reviewed the Ten Commandments, and seen how they are still relevant for us today. The last of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not covet..." This commandment takes us back to the first commandment, as coveting is another form of idolatry. To covet is to put our own desires in first place. It makes us believe that we cannot live without that specific person, place, or thing. Instead of being content with what God has blessed us with, we spend our time thinking of the things we don't have or wishing we had what others have. This attitude of selfishness gets in the way of what God wants to do in our lives.

C.S. Lewis put it this way, "like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he can't imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." We place our focus on these earthly pleasures that will soon pass but fail to see that God can give us something much better and everlasting. However, we can only experience the blessings that God has in store when we choose to put him above all else, and trust all that we are and all that we have to Him.

God's focus is not to make us comfortable with temporary earthly possessions. His desire is that we grow and be fruitful for Him. He wants to use our lives to make an impact for His glory, but if we are spending our time moping in our discontentment, we will be blinded to see the greatness of His perfect plan.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me seek you first and put You above everything else. Help me see beyond these earthly pleasures and focus on the greater plan you have for me. I want my life to be a blessing to others, and that my words and actions would lead others to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus's name, amen.  

1.    Exodus 20:17 (AMP).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.