Discipleship Point
Matthew 5:29
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
The Point
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean? Per Luther’s Catechism, we should fear and love God so that we do not force or entice away our neighbor’s spouse, workers, or God’s Gift of animals, but urge them to stay and do their duty. Contentment
Our discipleship point comes from the last commandment. It’s not just actions that are wrong, but ways of the heart too. Titled "God’s Gift of Contentment" in the Catechism explanation, coveting betrays a lack of contentment – an unhealthy battle inside of us. The want to entice away our neighbor’s wife or workers shows a problem with our heart. Coveting seems to be one of those sins that have fallen off the map of evils to confess. Don’t let this be so for you.
Discipleship Prayer
Father God, lead my spirit to the place of contentment in You. You are my real portion, my real treasure. Let me view all earthly joys and treasures as gifts from You, never to take your place or to be coveted. And help me celebrate others’ gifts with them without covetous eyes. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:161-168 (Shin, 21st letter)
- Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
- I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
- I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.
- Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
- Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
- I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands.
- I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
- I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Philippians 2:13
It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
In Psalm 119:167, the KJV (King James Version Bible translation) says "my soul hath kept thy testimonies" and the NIV (New International Version Bible translation) says "I obey your statutes".
Personally, my soul loves the added dynamic of including the deepest part of the self.