162. LUK 12:15. COVETOUSNESS
Luk_12:15. Covetousness
"Take heed, and beware of covetousness." Luk_12:15.
Let us consider, 1. The Nature and General Causes of Covetousness. 2 Its Evil and Pernicious Effects. And, 3. Its Prevention and Cure.
I. The Nature and General Causes of Covetousness.
It does not consist in a lawful care about the things of this life, or in a proper regard to the principles of prudence and frugality. But it consists,
1. In too eager a desire after the things of this life.
Setting our hearts upon them. Loving them. Making anxious efforts for them. Giving them our chief desires &c. It may be known.
2. By the tenacity with which we hold the things of this life.
Treating them as our chief good. Mating great sacrifices to retain them. Hoarding them up. Feeling extreme regret at losing them.
The general causes of covetousness are principally these:
1. A corrupt and perverted state of mind.
A false estimate of the true value of things. Living entirely by sense.
2. Discontent with, and distrust of, the providence of God.
Afraid of trusting God. A desire to have within ourselves wherewith to confide and wherewith to look for support, &c.
3. Forgetfulness of the soul, and those things which are eternal.
The body and its wants engross all the time, and absorb all the thoughts. Death kept out of sight’97grave out of sight’97judgment out of sight’97eternity out of sight.
II. Its Evil and Pernicious Effects.
Consider,
1. Its effects personally.
It is the source of many vices. "They who will be rich," &c. 1Ti_6:9. It tempts men to base and unjust means to get money. It hardens the heart, blunts the feelings, and renders the soul callous and sordid. It fills the mind with distraction, and prevents all true and solid enjoyment. It keeps out Christ and salvation. It is the thorns which choke the seed, &c. It is the whirlpool of ruin. Few abandon it; and if not rooted out, it must inevitably terminate in the eternal loss of the soul. Consider,
2. Its effects on society.
To society we are deeply obligated; and we are bound to live for others as well as ourselves. We are bound to be equitable and just, to be good and beneficent, to be pitiful and merciful to all men. But covetousness is injustice and cruelty; it robs society; it especially robs the poor, the widow, and the orphan; a covetous man is a misanthrope to his species. The foulest crimes of darkness and blood which have been committed in our world, have been the offspring of this hateful lust.
3. Its effects in reference to God.
It is disobedience. It is unbelief. Prostitution and perversion of his rights. It is idolatry.
4. Its effects as exhibited in the examples revelation furnishes.
Crime of our first parents was covetous ness, which brought universal desolation and wo into our world. Cain coveted Abel’s blessing, and murdered him. The general corruption of the old world originated in the sons of Seth coveting the daughters of men. This brought misery upon Lot and his family, and ruined his wife Caused Achan to be stoned to death. Made Gehazi leprous to his death. Induced Judas to commit that foul deed, the betrayal of his Redeemer. Brought instant death upon Ananias and Sapphira; and caused Demas to forsake the truth, and make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. In short, the principal wars and desolating scenes with which our world has been afflicted, have had their origin in this vice. And, in fact, hell itself originated in it, being prepared for the devil and his angels, who coveted a higher degree of power and glory than that which they possessed. And it is highly probable that its endless fires receive most of their fuel from what this vice supplies.
Let us then notice the means necessary,
III. For its Prevention and Cure.
1. Serious consideration of the shortness and uncertainty of life How madlike, inordinately to love what must so shortly be taken from us!
2. A reflection on our responsibility to God for all we possess.
Stewards. Day of reckoning will arrive. God will judge us. All give an account, and receive according as our works shall be.
3. A renewal of our hearts by the grace and Spirit of God.
"We must be born again." Old man with its lusts must be crucified. Heart made new, &c.
4. Imitation of Christ’s blessed example Here all the happy and glowing graces of goodness and mercy are exhibited. We must possess the mind that was in Christ.
5. Repeated and prayerful examination of our hearts before God.
"Take heed" that it does not insidiously lurk within. "Beware" of those thing? which lead to it. Watch and pray, and also seek earnestly supremely, and constantly, those things which are above.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS