That's why coveting is idolatry. If we feel good only when we gain what we desire, we revere our physical possessions and are guilty of coveting and idolatry. Some of the examples in Exodus 20 concerning the commandment on coveting may seem antiquated to our modern way of thinking. This is not a deed of the body. It is a silly thought to think that man is God. Rev. (Isaiah 44:17 Isaiah 44:17And the residue thereof he makes a god, even his graven image: he falls down to it, and worships it, and prays to it, and said, Deliver me; for you are my god.American King James Version×). 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Read full chapter Colossians 3:5 in all English translations In 1 Corinthians, the sin of covetousness is listed right next to idolatry twice in two verses (1 Cor. 5:10-11). Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Ephesians 5:5 - For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any … And the goal of his followers is that they would achieve enlightenment, just as he did. When life grows empty and you desire to embark on some kind of binge-to satiate yourself, to seek fulfillment by substituting the material for God's Spirit-simply ask God for the faith to wait for the better blessings He has in store for you. First let's ask and answer another question: Why do we take such pleasure in physical things we shouldn't have? A perceptive person recently suggested to me that happiness is a mode of travel, not a destination. He believed God, diligently sought Him and looked for his reward from God (Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.American King James Version×). When Paul wrote these words to the church in Philippi, he existed as a manacled prisoner, yet he lived contentedly. Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). covetousness; an immoderate love of money, the root of all evil, an insatiable desire of having more, and of having more than a man's own; and is enlarged as hell, and as death is not satisfied, but still craves more, without making any good use of what is possessed: which is idolatry. You also agree to this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. “Mortify … CONTENTMENT: With God's Spirit comes the assurance of our gaining entry into God's Kingdom (Ephesians 1:14 Ephesians 1:14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.American King James Version×), having shed the sin of covetousness. God tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:31 1 Corinthians 12:31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I to you a more excellent way.American King James Version×that we should "covet" (King James Version), or "earnestly desire" (New King James Version), spiritual gifts. 1 Timothy 6:10 AMP says that, “the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.” 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Paul realized he had much to be happy about-the glory and majesty that will be his in God's Kingdom. Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster@ucg.org. Ephesians 5 warns that no "covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (verse 5). Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. He who knows only discontent in one place will not find happiness in another; he will always want more than is rightfully his. Idolatry is the worship of created beings or created things rather than the worship of the Creator – the only One worthy of worship. Many are proud that we have uncovered the human genome and now understand much more about human genetics than ever before. It claims that the Buddha, through rigorous ascetic practices, became God. The word “covetousness” in Scripture is frequently linked with “idolatry”. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 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