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.”
(Luke 12:15)
Jesus begins His teaching regarding prosperity in this passage by saying, “Beware of covetousness.” In our society, even in the Church, there are a lot of people whose lives are tied up in “things.” The focus of their life is their stuff, and doing whatever they can to acquire even more things.
It is what the Bible calls covetousness.
I want to ask you today, is your heart filled with covetousness? Do you find yourself thinking, “I know the missing ingredient in my life, I just need a little more. If I could just get a little more, I would be happy. If I could just build a bigger house and fill it with a little more stuff…if I could get a nicer car…if I could upgrade…then I would be happy, and then I would be successful.”?
A little more, a little more, a little more.
The problem is, however, that desire for more never stops. In fact, God called a man a fool because he never realized that riches are only temporary.
If you find your life driven by the need for more things, if you are consumed with stuff, if you define your success by what you have (or do not have), then you have been seduced by covetousness, and you will never find the happiness you are looking for.
Do not be a fool seeking after things. Instead, make the passion of your life seeking after God.
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Bayless Conley is a pastor and speaker known for his clear presentation of the Gospel and the way he applies the life-changing truth of God's Word to everyday life. It's this same truth that radically turned his life around when a 12-year-old boy shared the Gospel with him many years ago.
Bayless' unique background and remarkable testimony have enabled him to reach a diverse audience of people globally. In 1979, God called Bayless to share His Word on television, and in 1984, the broadcast was launched. Today, the Answers with Bayless Conley broadcast is impacting lives around the world in numerous languages.
Bayless, with his wife Janet, pastors Cottonwood Church, a thriving nondenominational church located in Orange County, California. Bayless is the author of numerous books and booklets including Cast Down But Not Destroyed, Footprints of Faith, How to Pray, Turning Mistakes into Miracles, There Is Always Hope, and a 365-day devotional called Answers for Each Day.