The Tenth Commandment as an Antidote to Envy

For some reason I have a tendency to compare myself with others and to covet things that others have. This is the opposite of the last of the Ten Commandments, which says not to covet various people and things. I am realizing that I am not following this commandment and it's hurting me. God gave us His commandments not to restrict us but to give us life. He is a good Heavenly Father to His children and as such He wants us to be happy and mature. I have made it a habit to indulge in envy and covetousness. I really need to fight this.

He says somewhere else (I think in Psalms but I can't remember where) that "no good thing will he withhold from that that walk uprightly" (in the King James Version). I don't think I live up to the walking uprightly part all the time, but in general, that sums up His approach as Provider to His people. He is able to and does provide good things. If there is a lack in my life, then He wants me to learn something through it or ask Him for the thing I need to remind me that I am dependent upon Him.

Also, I think that I tend to forget the good things He does give me. I think this comes from my fallen nature as well as from the world system under the control of the devil. I can help my heart be content by counting my blessings and remembering them.

Here are some of my blessings:

• Health
• A relationship with God
• Forgiveness of sins
• Heaven to come after I die
• A place to live (especially one that's inexpensive)
• A full-time job
• People who care about me (family and friends from church and my singles' group)
• A car
• A laptop
• The ability to think, write, walk, and sing, and other abilities
• My flowers at my house and my apple tree

This is a start. I am sure this list could grow.

So, I want to not give in to discontentment but learn to be content and obey the Tenth Commandment and experience the life that God intends for me by doing so.