Fleeing Covetousness, Fighting for Contentment: A Faithful Pursuit of Future Grace
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 14, 2025
Introduction
Covetousness, a subtle yet destructive sin, can creep into our lives, distracting us from the eternal treasures of God’s grace. As believers, we must recognize the dangers of covetousness and actively flee it, instead fighting for contentment rooted in faith in future grace. This article explores the biblical mandate to flee covetousness and pursue contentment, grounded in the promises of God’s Word.
The Dangers of Covetousness
Covetousness, a heart attitude that craves more, is condemned in Scripture (Exodus 20:17, Colossians 3:5). It leads to dissatisfaction, envy, and idolatry, distracting us from God’s goodness and provision (1 Timothy 6:10). The apostle Paul warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV).
Fleeing Covetousness
To flee covetousness, we must recognize its subtle manifestations in our lives. We are called to “put to death” sinful desires (Colossians 3:5) and “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). By confessing and repenting of covetousness, we can seek God’s cleansing and empowerment.
Fighting for Contentment
Contentment, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), is a deliberate choice to trust God’s sovereignty and provision. The apostle Paul models contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, declaring, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Contentment is not the absence of struggles but the presence of peace in the midst of trials.
Faith in Future Grace
Our contentment is rooted in faith in future grace, the promise of eternal life and God’s goodness. As John Piper writes, “Future grace is the grace that we will need tomorrow, and the next day, and the next” (Piper, 2012). Our hope in future grace enables us to trust God’s provision and goodness, even in the face of uncertainty.
Conclusion
Fleeing covetousness and fighting for contentment are essential aspects of our faith journey. By recognizing the dangers of covetousness and actively pursuing contentment in faith, we can experience the peace and joy that come from trusting God’s future grace. May we heed the biblical mandate to flee covetousness and fight for contentment, grounded in the promises of God’s Word.
References:
Exodus 20:17 (ESV)
Colossians 3:5 (ESV)
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
1 Corinthians 10:14 (ESV)
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
Piper, J. (2012). Future Grace: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God. Multnomah Books.
