Question – – have you ever wanted to have something that someone else had? Maybe clothes, or someone’s boyfriend or home?
Story
“I don’t see why we have to be so poor!” Jessica moaned as she helped her mum make dinner that evening.
“Poor?” Her mother laughed. “We’re not poor Jess.”
Jessica harrumphed – it was Monday night and she had spent a whole day at her new friend’s house. Britany was not only really nice but also super rich.
“Mum, if you saw Britany’s house, you will also see how poor we are.” Jessica paused as she peeled the potatoes. “Her room is massive! I mean she has a tv three sizes bigger than our tv. It sits on her wall. Her bed is King size and pretty with flowers and it’s from France mum. France!? Mine is from China. Ugh.”
“Honey, you have a good bed. There are people in Africa who don’t even have a mat to sleep on. You should feel blessed.”
Jessica rolled her eyes and continued peeling potatoes. Her mum always talked about the people in Africa – it annoyed her each time she mentioned it. Seriously, why? Jessica shook her head and continued talking.
“And…her wardrobed ma. It was filled to the brim with all types of latest fashion clothes. Everything smells like those posh boutique with vanilla scented everything. It’s to die for. I wish I could live like her!”
Jessica placed the peeled potatoes in the pot and stared out the window. Outside the trees swayed from side to side in the gentle evening breeze. Even her trees looked ugly. Britnay’s whole garden belonged in one of those house and gardens magazines. She didn’t even have leaves on the ground. Jessica scrunched up her face in disgust. Deep resentment settled in her heart.
How does God feel when we covet other people’s things?
He doesn’t like it. He will always provide all your needs. Do you have a home? Food? Schooling? Bed? Clothes? If you answered yes to any of these – then God has provided for your needs. Yeah, you might not live like your neighbour who has a mansion and an expensive convertible but you’re still pretty well off.
What can you do about that?
Rejoice with those who prosper, for they also receive the blessings of the Lord. And you will be free from all these things. Meaning that you should learn to say a little prayer of thanks for all you have and for those who have more than you. Because the more you thank God the less your heart will be bubbling with envy.
Talking to an adult to help you is always great, praying and getting a gratitude journal to write down two or three things you’re grateful for. We have a really nice one that you can check out on our website gigistorylibrary.com.au printed books or amazon – I’ll link it below.
What verse is key to not coveting and being content with what you have?
Exodus 20:17
I’m going to read a few different versions – the message says
17 No lusting after your neighbor’s house—or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbor’s.
The Easy read version (ERV)
17 “You must not want to take your neighbor’s house. You must not want his wife. And you must not want his men and women servants or his cattle or his donkeys. You must not want to take anything that belongs to another person.”
The New king James version 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
PICTURE CREDIT – Bought at Getty Photos
