Topic: Contentment over Covetousness
Text: Luke 12:15
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

In this dispensation, where the pursuit of material possessions often overshadows the value of spiritual richness, Jesus from this text encourages us to choose contentment over covetousness.
This verse urges you and I to choose contentment over covetousness, as we discharge the spiritual mandate that was assigned to us. The text speaks directly to the heart of our relationship with material wealth and our attitudes towards possessions. It challenges us to reflect on the true source of fulfillment and happiness which can only be found in Christ Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. This text is steering us away from the empty pursuit of accumulating more material things.

The call to avoid jealousy and covetousness is not just a moral directive:
•It’s a pathway to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
•It’s about recognizing our true worth.
•Happiness is not tied to what we own or what others have.

Practical Prompts:
Cultivate a Grateful Heart: Regularly count your blessings; name them one by one and express gratitude for what you have; no matter how little they are, others are praying to be like you. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already possess.
Find Fulfillment in Spiritual Riches: Matt. 6:33
•Seek fulfillment in your relationship with God.
•Seek fulfillment in spiritual growth.
•True contentment comes from knowing God, not from material possessions.

Stop Comparisons:
Resist the urge to compare your lifestyle, social status, or possessions with others. One delicate thing that destroys a person is comparison, it can easily lead to discontent and will result in covetousness.

Live a Generous Life:
Generosity counters covetousness. Share what you have with others, and experience the joy that comes from giving rather than acquiring. Jesus’ word in Matthew 10:42 should encourage us to be generous, you have something to give.

Trust in God’s Provision:
Believe that God will provide for your needs. Trusting in His provision helps to alleviate the desire to covet what others have. Hear what God says in Phil.4:19. He is the one who can supply all your needs.

Focus on Eternal Values: Remember that life’s true value is not measured by material accumulation but by spiritual and eternal treasures.
In Luke 12:15, Jesus calls you to a life of contentment, free from the endless and unfulfilling pursuit of more. Contentment over covetousness is about finding joy and satisfaction in what you have, who you are in Christ, and the countless blessings that come from a life lived in accordance with God’s will.

Prayer
1. Help me to appreciate and be grateful for the blessings You have given me. Remove every spirit of comparison and covetousness from my life, and let my joy be found in You alone. (Philippians 4:11-12)
2. Strengthen my faith to rely on You as my source, and grant me the grace to live generously, knowing that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)

Dr. Malachi Ogakwu
General Overseer, CEFN Church,
Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria