I remember once when Ryan and I had a visit from the elders in our church and the theme was Thou shall not covet. They asked us if we struggled with coveting and we both happily said "Not Really." Now I marvel at that! We lived in a little house that some would have considered ramshackle, but we were just thankful to get it for next to nothing a month. Our vehicle was my very first car a 2 door 5 speed1989 Pontiac Sunbird, black in case you were wondering, with pin striping. We were expecting our first child. Ryan was studying full time at University and I was working at the local Coop grocery store. We were making ends meet on student loans and my 8.50 an hour. We were happy and full of hope for our future.
Now here's where I should enter a great big disclaimer! We both were aware that we sinned against every commandment but we were asked if it was one in particular that we STRUGGLED with. At the time we didn't.
To be honest Ryan still does not. He has been very blessed by God to accept his lot in life and he ambitiously tries (and succeeds at) making a comfortable life for his family. I sometimes want the kraft dinner supper, no mortgage days back. As memories go it's likely I remember it better than it was, but one thing I'm sure of, it was a time we were full of hopes and dreams. We innocently looked forward to our future together, not knowing that some of it would be tough to take!
Coveting encompasses a realm of things I didn't even know existed back then. You are not supposed to look at what your neighbour has and wish it was yours. You may not wish for the husband that vacuums if yours doesn't, or the child that sits quietly through church if yours doesn't, or the son or daughter that God didn't grant, or the son or daughter in law that God didn't grant. It's not OK to wish for the social status others have or their abilities. The reason God gave this command is because He loves us, and He knows nothing good will come from keeping up with the Jones'. He wants us to be satisfied in our life and our love of him. A really great book to read to remind yourself that your lot in life could have been worse is 'Left to Tell' by Immaculee Ilibigiza. http://www.immaculee.com/
Sometimes life is just not fair, sometimes the hardships come in droves to some while others seem to get by unscathed. Christian couples who'd love children aren't able to have them while others are disposing of pregnancies that were unplanned. American public are losing their homes and huge banks are being bailed out while bank executives are still taking home their Christmas bonuses. Even the preacher noticed this in Ecclesiastes! Eccl. 7:15: “I have seen everything in my days of vanity: there is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
Life ain't fair and I have to fight the urge that to say but it should be! It's something I constantly think but realize I have no right to say.
The truth is Ryan and I are living our dreams. We are in love. We have beautiful children. Ryan and I are two of 4% of people (yes 4 out of 100) that love their job. What a blessing! We have a home, a family, a church family, hobbies, and most of all our health. Life truly ISN'T fair that we should be so incredibly blessed.
I tried and tried to quote the parts of this Psalm that emulate what I'm trying to say but I decided I had to use it all... enjoy.
Psalm 73
1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.[a]
5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity[b];
their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.[c]
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
