Refusing to arbitrate an inheritance dispute, Jesus exposes the disease beneath it: covetousness — and commands active guard against it, because “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” The rich fool parable that follows shows where that equation ends.
Luke 12:15 KJV“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Read Luke 12 →
Jesus issues a warning that requires honest self-examination: beware of covetousness. Not just obvious greed, but the quieter form — the restlessness with what you have, the pull toward more, the tendency to measure your life by what you possess. Is your life characterized by contentment, or by the ongoing pursuit of more? What does your relationship with money and possessions honestly reveal about what you believe life consists of?
Identify right now one thing you want but do not need — something you would normally work extra hours for or save up to acquire. Refuse to pursue it. Take the time or money you would have spent and use it today to bless someone else anonymously. You know what it is. Name it, then let it go without seeking any recognition or reward.
When you obey this command, it breaks the cycle of anxiety and striving that covetousness fuels. You are freed from the fear of not having enough and the burden of always wanting more. You experience contentment that material circumstances cannot touch, rooted in the Father who is the true source of life.
This is one of 69 direct commands of Jesus in the free Red Letter Challenge: All Commands of Jesus — The Living Sword
Read every Scripture in your chosen translation (WEB, KJV, Geneva, YLT, and more) at https://www.thelivingsword.org/red-letter-challenge/beware-of-covetousness