We were leaving after a play date with good friends this morning and my friend’s son wanted to come home with us. My daughter asked, “Why?”

Avery: Because I have a lot of toys?
Mom: No, because you are his friend and he likes to spend time with you.
Avery: But I do have a lot of toys.
Mom: Yes, and toys are fun. But they are not what makes you special.

As I said it, I knew I needed to hear it, too. Sometimes we forget we are not defined by our stuff! 

I’m reading James MacDonald’s Lord, Change My Attitude: Before Its Too Late, specifically two chapters on covetousness and contenment. As he writes, “we are far more infected with materialism than we realize, and some of the worst victims are the ones who think they are living in victory.” Whether you want the wrong things, the right things at the wrong time or in the wrong amounts or for the wrong reasons, it’s all covetousness. It has a strong hold on all of us. When you covet something and dwell on it, you make it more attractive and accessible than it really is, simply because you want it. Do you want it more than God’s blessing? The Israelites wandering in the desert asked for meat instead of the provision of manna. They got what they wanted but God withdrew Himself. Is it possible that covetousness–even when the desire fulfilled–has actually gotten in the way of your pursuit for greater joy and blessing in your life?


Psalm 106:15 “He gave them their request, but sent leanness to their soul.”