“a heart trained in covetous practices…” (2 Pet. 2:14, NKJV)
Psychologically it is commonly accepted that human beings are by definition of a covetous nature. From a faith perspective it is too easily attributed to the non-born again person’s (still) spoilt and selfish human nature (James 3:7). By acquiring “the godly nature” (2 Pet.1:4) through becoming born-again (1 Pet. 1:23), the process of becoming holy begins. Rom. 8:13: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” As Gal. 5:17 states: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
Thus despite the fallen human nature found in all people we are not allowed to use it as an excuse to “walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” (Eph. 4:17b-19).
One of the clearest perspectives on covetousness is offered in a very simple parable in Luke 12, when the crowd asked Jesus to intervene in an argument between brothers, about their inheritance. Interestingly enough Jesus does not try to be fair, seeing to it that they both get an equal share. Jesus’ words cuts to the bone, because His answer looks at the deeper-seated issue in the wronged brother, and makes His position undeniably clear: “Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’” (verses 13-14).
Ponder this statement a second time. Do Jesus’ words not sound very familiar? Yes, it strongly resonates with the words in Ex. 2:13-14, when the Hebrew man spoke to Moses who was trying to break up a fight: “And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, ‘Why are you striking your companion?’ Then he said, ‘Who made you a prince and a judge over us?‘”.
In our walk of faith we often call for that which is righteous and fair, and claim restitution and fairness for what we think we deserve from the righteous God. If Moses then represents the dispensation of law and righteousness (John 7:19a), John 1:17 makes it very clear what Jesus Christ represents: “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Note – Christ is of course not against righteousness, but His approach displays a completely different attitude of heart.
Therefore Jesus offers, through his life and his words, a different perspective on covetousness as reigning attitude in one’s life. Take note of this section from Matt. 5:38-45: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven …’” The Message-translation offers a beautiful version of this last sentence: “for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves”. This is the core of Jesus’ expectations – NOT THAT WE WOULD NECESSARILY BE TREATED FAIRLY, BUT THAT WE WILL ACQUIRE HIS NATURE.
Through Jesus we became acquainted with selfless grace and truth. Truth and grace must thus also be manifested on earth, through Christ. Selah.
Back to the parable in Luke 12:15-21: “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’’So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’”
Ponder this again: Covetousness is manifested in those who continually want to acquire, yet who are not rich in God. Again the Message encapsulates the essence of the Scripture in no uncertain terms: “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.’” Covetousness is filling your barn with Self and not with God. Therefore we find that Jesus’ transgressive attitude continually opposes covetousness – have a look at the parable again, a few verses later, in Luke 12:33-34: “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The root of covetousness is, interestingly enough, fear. A heart “trained in covetous practices” (2 Pet. 2:14) fears that he/she will not have enough. He also does not trust in God to provide in his needs. Jesus makes it very clear in the section that follows on the parable, in which He brings the root cause of covetousness to the light: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing … And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear …’” (Luke 12:22-23, 29-32a).
In the following teaching we will look at the implications and healing of covetousness.
- Selah: Do you fear that there will be no provision?
- Read: 2 Kings 16-17; 2 Chr. 28.
- Memorise: 2 Kings 17:7 (look for the synchronicity!)
