Contentment: Living Out the 10th Commandment
The 10th commandment, found in Exodus 20:17, tells us: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” At its core, this commandment is about avoiding the sin of coveting or desiring what belongs to others.
In our culture today, it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparison and envy. Social media and advertising constantly bombard us with images of what others have, leading us to feel discontent with our own lives. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard of contentment and gratitude. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Living out the 10th commandment means cultivating a heart of contentment, and recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. We are called to be good stewards of the resources and blessings that God has entrusted to us, using them to further His kingdom and serve others. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
Furthermore, living out the 10th commandment means avoiding the sin of greed and selfishness. Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” When we covet what belongs to others, we are not only violating God’s commandment but also hurting ourselves and others. Instead, we should seek to be generous and compassionate, using our resources to bless those in need.
As we strive to live out the 10th commandment, we can take comfort in knowing that our ultimate source of satisfaction and fulfillment comes from our relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your commandments, which guide us in living a life that honors you. Help us to be people of contentment, who trust in your provision and use our resources to bless others. May our hearts be filled with joy and peace as we seek to live in obedience to your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.