Killing Kryptonite With John BevereSýnishorn

Remember Angela from yesterday’s devotional? We learned that her adultery is the same as how the Bible describes idolatry against God. But is this really an issue in the church today? Unfortunately, it very much is. 

If you look at Angela, the root of her adultery was her desire. Another word for this desire is covetousness. 

Covetousness isn’t something we really talk about these days, so let me define it. According to Merriam-Webster, covetousness is, “A strong desire to obtain some supposed good.” Now let me give us another perspective on covetousness from Colossians 3:5, where Paul says, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” 

Did you see that? Paul says covetousness is idolatry! We may think of idolatry as statues and all those things, but the root behind it is unrighteous desire. 

God has given us the key to overcoming covetousness, and it is contentment. Contentment moves us away from idolatry and closer to the heart of God, while covetousness distances us from God and drives us to the altars of idolatry. 

This is why the author of Hebrews writes, “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.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6). 

You can see from this passage how covetousness is clearly the same as adultery. Angela coveted other men, not allowing Justin to meet her needs. Here we are told to be content with God, knowing He will meet all our needs. If we turn to some other source outside of Him and His prescribed means of living, that is idolatry! 

Here’s what this means: When a believer knows the will of God, yet intentionally chooses their own desires instead, that is idolatry. They have chosen to worship their desires over God. 

When you look at your own goals, priorities, and habits, which would you say is stronger in your life—covetousness or contentment? How can you pursue a life of greater contentment?