How Much Do We Covet?

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   just_curiousposted 13 years ago

   I've been wondering, for the last few years, if we've actually got a handle on the problem we are creating by not understanding the full depth of the meaning of the concept of coveting something.  It is, in some ways, a somewhat archaic term, but I perceive it to be a relevant question. 
   
   I think advertising and television are responsible for making the developed nations covet more and more, and now they are bringing this problem to the world at large.
   
   If you desire something tangible that does not belong to you, it seems we are coveting that item until we either, a. purchase it or b. decide that we don't want it.
   
   Desire for anything seen on a commercial has caused violence.  People stampede stores during Christmas sales, fight over the last item on the shelf and at worst, simply steal it if they don't have the money for it.
   
   I wonder what level of violence we will have to deal with when it becomes apparent that our advertising and misrepresentation of our life style forces developing nations to realize that there will never be enough of the advertised items to go around. It seems to me as if we just keep feeding a sickness.
   
   Would you define this problem as coveting things that don't belong to you, or something else.

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      kessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Covetousness cannot be conteolled by a commandment...because it is ingrained in the individual's heart and this heart is the seat of all desires.
      
      So when the command is given, the first reponse is to do that was commanded not to do, simplly becausethe heart is not yet converted and it will always seek  after the fulfillment of its own desires.
      So what is meant for good will now be used for evil and more so because the person would think to do further acts so as to conceal the true nature of His heart.
      
      so the 'donot covet' command is good to the unrighteous because in their covetosness they will be without excuse...
      
      But to the unrighteous is evil because it makes them one with the unrighteous, for the righteous will already  reigned in their hearts and know not to do such.
      
      This is the way of the christian church who seeks to enslave the righteous with their laws which they have made using all the writings contained in their bible.

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      DoubleScorpionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Great Question and one that is hard to answer. I would have to say that the coveting that would be considered a sin would be that which causes us to long for something to the point of hating another, stealing, killing or to place it before "god". Each of us require certian things to live. But of course some of us life better than others. Once you start placing things unattainable on a level equal to or above your own spiritual health then we start getting ourselves into trouble.

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         just_curiousposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well, I wasn't thinking so much about sin, I don't think. I know I used a word clearly associated with the commandments, but mostly because everyone immediately knows what it means. It is simply that I think we all know that this gluttony for resources is not only killing us, it's making us miserable on some levels in the process; and we're exporting  the idea of this gluttony as fast as we can. I think there was a time where ' the beacon of liberty' was our primary export. Now it seems to be the golden arches. I just wonder if, in the long run, this is going to be a good thing

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            DoubleScorpionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            not going to be good at all...almost every search for "rumored treasures" usually ends in complete defeat.

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   Bill Manningposted 13 years ago

   There have always been things humans want. Look how lavishly the Romans and kings lived back in the olden times.
   
   I think, as always, it comes down to the individual person. There are always those who will steal and want more.
   
   There are also those who are happy with what they have, even if it's nothing. It really comes down to what type of person you are.
   
   I have no desire to take anything not mine, it never even crosses my mind. I also do not lust after any materialistic things, unless I know I can afford them.
   
   However I admit when I was younger I wanted it all and that seemed like the way to live. Still even then I never thought of stealing or using violence to get it.
   
   Because that's just not the type of person I am.

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