It is the tenth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17). In the New Testament it is sandwiched between fornication and idolatry in one text (1 Corinthians 5:11) and theft and drunkenness in another (1 Corinthians 6:10). It is the sin that many if not most Christians don’t get too upset over because they have become so comfortable with it in their own lives. It is covetousness. Covetousness is not just wanting something. It is wanting something enviously or inordinately as Webster says.

Francis Schaeffer wrote, "When does proper desire become coveting? I think we can put the answer down simply: desire becomes sin when it fails to include the love of God or men. Further, I think there are two practical tests as to when we are coveting against God or men: first, I am to love God enough to be contented; second, I am to love men enough not to envy." In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Notice that the well known and oft quoted, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me," is not in the context of miracles or super human achievement but in being content with what one has or the situation in which one is.

Any activity that a person engages in that has as a motivating factor the desire "to get rich" is sinful (1 Timothy 6:9,10). Could this include the lottery? Absolutely. But this can also include such things as the stock market, exorbitant insurance policies, lawsuits, constantly wanting a higher paying job, etc. There is no sin in being rich. There is sin in the desire to be rich. One is often the result of blessings and, at times, hard work. The other is the result of greed. And, as the Scripture says, "greed amounts to idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Splitting hairs? No, because it is a distinction that the Bible makes itself. Abraham and Isaac were rich (Genesis 13:2; 26:12-14). Judas was greedy (John 12:1-6).

We must also be faithful stewards with that which God has entrusted us (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Matthew 6:19,20). But often we may be zealous in applying this principle to gambling but very lax in applying it where our own ox might be gored. Some who condemn others for playing penny-ante poker, may spend too much on clothes or books or hobbies or computers. Some who judge the one who goes to the race track, may be ones who always have to have the bigger or better or faster or shinier of anything they enjoy. “Consistency, thou art a jewel!”

Each of us has to make some personal judgments before we act. But God has not given us the prerogative of building borders around sin to keep others from going too far. He has warned us that greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) and of the dangers of being rich (Mark 10:25). He has told us how to behave if we are rich (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

We must not turn our heads when sin is being committed. But let's make sure it is sin. And let's be just as diligent to root it out of our lives as we are to root it out of others'.

God bless you,

Brad Fry