Then He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15 (BSB)
“What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet.’ But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.” – Romans 7:7–8 (BSB)
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances… I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:11, 13 (BSB)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. – 1 Timothy 6:6–8 (BSB)
This commandment goes deeper than external behavior—it addresses the inner life. Fr. Elijah Simmons (Anglican Union, St. John’s Anglican Mission, TX) explains, “The Tenth Word of the Law pierces to the heart. It tells me that holiness is not just about what I avoid but about what I desire. Do I long for God above all else?” (Sermons on the Commandments, 2021)
The command also instructs me to cultivate gratitude and contentment. Bishop Silas Takyin (GAFCON, Church of Nigeria) notes, “A content heart is a guarded heart. To be satisfied in Christ is to be protected from the envy that leads to ruin.” (Pastoral Letter on Godliness and Simplicity, 2020) The one who gives thanks regularly and rejoices in others’ blessings is shielded from the restlessness of covetousness.
The Tenth Commandment reminds me that sin often begins in the unseen place of desire. Canon Phil Ashey (ACNA, American Anglican Council) reflects, “If the first commandment is about who we love most, the tenth is about what we want most. Together they form the bookends of holiness.” (The Moral Vision of the Ten Commandments, 2018)
Fr. James Basinger (Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of Mid-America) adds, “When Christ rules our hearts, coveting gives way to contentment, and competition gives way to charity. The law leads us to grace—and grace leads us into joyful obedience.” (Lectures on Christian Virtue, 2020)
“To desire what belongs to another is to accuse God of withholding good. Contentment, therefore, is an act of faith.” – Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, c. 398 AD
“Let no Christian envy his brother’s blessings. What God gives to one, He gives for all. Rejoice in the good of others.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise on Envy and Jealousy, c. 250 AD
“The command not to covet is the call to be satisfied in God. Desire rightly ordered becomes delight in the Lord.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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