The Snare of Covetousness

by Tony Huddleston

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

There are few sins as insidious as covetousness. It is one of Satan's most effective snares. Like most sins, the root cause of covetousness is an inordinate love of self.

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition." 1 Timothy 6:9.

The scriptures give many examples of men and women who have fallen into this temptation:

1. Achan coveted the spoil of Jericho, which led to his destruction.
   ( Joshua 7:21)


2. Gehazi coveted the gifts of Naaman, to the point of lying, and was made a leper for his sin. ( 2 Kings 5: 20-27)


3. Ananias and Sapphira coveted money, and there lives were taken. ( Acts 5:1-11)


4. The rich young ruler rejected Jesus because he loved riches. ( Luke 18:18-24)

In Jesus' parable of the sower, the seed that fell among thorns was choked out by the desire to have riches and the cares of the world. Covetousness leads us away from the word of God to a self-serving life. ( Mark 4:18-19).

Many people today are completely enslaved with the desire to acquire possessions. Covetousness leads to many other sins, including dishonesty, cheating, and even outright stealing. Families, businesses, and even lives have been destroyed by this sin. I truly believe God will help us overcome love of self, if we make a sincere effort. However, we must not be complacent, because Satan does not sleep. If we spend our lives serving God and others, there will be little time to be self-indulgent. Remember the promise of Hebrews 13:5. "...I will never leave you nor forsake you".