Read the Large Catechism with me.
Ten-minute studies on short readings from the Large Catechism.
Let's do this.
Click on the link below and read the short assigned reading. Then, if you have time, check out what I have to say about it. If not, no problem. Just soak up the goodness of the LC.
The Ninth and Tenth Commandments Part 2: Click here and read 303 - the end of the Ninth and Tenth Commandments section.
The basics:
- Luther describes examples of our misdeeds in trade and commerce. especially those not forbidden by the world's laws.
- In respect to marriage, we see when one desires to have someone else's spouse as their own and uses flattering words and promises to lure them away.
- Whatever the case may be, God does not desire for you to take away from your neighbor, even if you could do it honorably in the eyes of the world.
- Coveting your neighbor's property is aiming at possession of it, enticing it away from him without his will, or being unwilling to see him enjoy what God has given him.
- These two commandments are especially directed at envy, because God is trying to remove all causes within you that may lead to you doing wrong to your neighbor.
- God wishes the heart to be pure, but we will never obtain it as long as we live here. Therefore, this command, Thou shalt not covet, will constantly accuse us.
My thoughts today:
"Coveting your neighbor's property is being unwilling to see him enjoy what God has granted him."
Just take a moment and let that sink in.
OK, need to read it again?
Coveting is being unwilling to see your neighbor enjoy what God has given him.
Whether it be a loving and caring spouse, a thriving career, seven beautiful children, quiet beach vacations, a new home, an amazing talent, a bigger television, a government position of authority, a job better than mine, a house better than mine, a life better than mine, a family better than mine, a pocketbook fuller than mine, a debt load less than mine...
The joy is we have a whole lot of things to watch our neighbors enjoy.
The sorrow is we will never obtain that pure heart as long as we live here.
O wretched flesh of mine, I keep on doing what I do not want to do.
I want to be joyful watching my neighbor revel in the gifts God has given him.
I want to be joyful reveling in the gifts God has given me.
"Thou shalt not covet" will constantly accuse us, because it gets to our heart.
Our Jesus knelt in Gethsemane and pleaded for God to take away the cup granted to Him. He desired His lot in life to be lifted so much that He sweat beads of blood. And yet, still His heart remained pure, and said, "Not my will by yours..."
He did that for you. He did that for me.
He filled His pure heart with all our covetous desires, and died with them...
That I may live anew with His purity -
seeking out opportunities to watch my neighbor enjoy what God has granted him.
seeking out ways to be thankful for the gifts God has granted me - namely the faith He sustains in my heart each day.
