Close Topic Options

Thou Shalt Not Covet

Are there some things that most members seem to covet a lot? What about callings? What about things? They may not be interested in things of the world, but they use their time for...

"Most 'thou shalt not' commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not 'to covet' is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves."

(Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, May 2002, 64)

What are your thought on this subject?

Covet Shalt Thou

We were talking about this the other day in Church and I was saying that some people may not covet money or cars but they covet other's person look (hair, height, eyes, etc). Covetousness is wrong and like the quote says it can only hurt us. We should be happy of who we are and if we are not, then improve to feel that way.

Thou Shalt Not Covet Studies Doctrine Mormon

Coveting callings always seems to be an issue of gain. For me, I find callings very time consuming and a lot of work and I am often glad when the tough ones are given to others. However, many others will find that having a calling can put them 'in charge', but after that there is nothing else much of substance to what they do. Often when they begin to feel the real weight of the calling they so desired they run from it.

Another thing I see Members covet (and this may seem funny, but it does happen) is other Member's families, spouses or even just simply the way the Member looks, etc.

Covet Shalt Thou

I see this too. I think the mistake some people make is only seeing what is visible in a marriage and family, which is usually the best aspects of it. They will then look at their own families, and all the problems and trials they face, and it will seem much worse than the problems of other families. This is all an illusion, every family goes through hard times. It's too bad more people can't believe that all is not as it appears.

Coveting callings doesn't seem the common thing in my ward. In fact, we often get talks from the Bishopric about the importance of accepting callings that are extended to us. I do understand a sense of loss in being released from a busy calling. I've been in YW for five years and it's almost become a way of life. When I'm released I'm afraid it will be hard to adjust and let go of something that has become so much a part of my life.

Covet Shalt Thou

I am planning to give a talk about this in a couple of weeks. Any ideas? I would like to divide it by giving different examples of covetousness. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. I plan to start by giving a Chinese Fable I found in a children resource site for my son called starfall. The story is called "Dung Shi copies eyebrows".

Thou Shalt Not Covet

A well-meaning sister in Relief Society on Sunday, said something like, "Those single sisters would KILL to have one of our husbands!" when we were speaking about being kind to others. I was a little shocked, especially since ... well, I'm single and there are other single sisters in the class, and I certainly wouldn't KILL for HER husband. I said as much.

But the point is, she believes that all single women are coveting her husband (or other women's husbands)! So I think people should be careful of what they think other people covet. How could she and I ever fellowship in a meaningful way if she believes I'm coveting her husband, you see?

Thou Shalt Covet

Of course I do not know this sister but maybe she was just kidding? Sometimes people do not think much when they tell jokes. Now, it is not your case but I have seen people coveting other member's families, this is not uncommon in the Church, now whether she should mention this in RS or other Church meeting is a different story.

Now you have to also see the other side of the coin. This sister who is married but has an inactive husband is literally furious when she sees a couple in Church holding hands or just putting their arms around each other in Church "Because they do it to show off they have a husband and we don't". That's PURE envy and jealousy which both are synonymous of covetousness. Deep inside, she is envious and is coveting the fact that some sisters have husbands in the Church and she does not. I do not know how it is in your ward but here I see people coveting other families a lot.

Thou Shalt Covet Mormon Doctrine Studies

I also believe that it is possible to covet that which we own. When we do not pay a full tithe, we are coveting that which we have been given stewardship over. When we do not keep out temple covenants we are coveting our time by using it in inappropriate ways.
I believe that this is one of the most common ways that we as members of the church covet. We covet that which we have,(I.e. our time, talents and all that we have been given by the lord) and we do not concecrate them to our God.
(I know I have been guilty of this)

Edited: dbackers on 10th Jul, 2007 - 6:24pm