Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
(Exodus 20:17 (NIV))

Sometimes it seems unfair that other people have things that you do not!

Have you ever stopped to think that while you are looking at something that they have, wishing that it was yours, they are looking at something that you have in the same way?

There is a saying that the grass is always greener. Perhaps it is human nature to want what we do not have, even though we may have more than what we covet. Think about the words that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV))

Paul wrote from the vantage point of having had what many during his day would consider the ideal life. He had power and authority as part of the Jewish religious elite. He was on track to be a very powerful man in Jewish society. Someone in a similar position today would probably be part of the state or federal government and in the spotlight of most of society.

Before Paul had the experience on the road to Damascus, he coveted power and authority. After his experience, he longed only to know Jesus. With this focus, all worldly things slowly fade in importance. Only through keeping your eyes focused on Jesus can you look past the fleeting things that the world uses to distract you.

Consider a beautiful object held up within your line of sight. If you focus on it, all around becomes blurry. If you focus on something past the object, the object becomes blurry and soon looses its appeal. Jesus should be the center of our focus that makes all else loose its appeal.

Jesus should be all that we seek!

Copyright 1998 - 2026 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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