I confess that it hard for me to pass a brick house with a beautiful lawn and windows that look out on the world without saying, “Wow!  I wish that were my house!”  For years, I have lived in a modular home that is adequate but certainly nothing show-y.  And it needs so many repairs that they might cost almost as much as the house is worth.  But my husband’s dream was to own land, and we do have four acres.  Back to my confession…I admit that I am guilty of envying sinners.  I don’t know that the person living in that house that I covet is a sinner because I don’t know anything about them.  As many houses as I have looked at and wanted, I’m willing to bet that at least some of the people who owned those homes were “sinners.”  After all, what is a sinner but someone living in a sinful state without belief in God and His Son Jesus Christ.?  However, the Bible tells me not to envy sinners.  I should not want their lifestyle and all that comes with it because my final reward is with the Lord.  I keep telling myself that I will have a mansion in Heaven, and this Scripture tells me that my hope won’t be disappointed.  That’s good stuff!

This is an important verse for me.  For years, I blamed my husband and his moving me to a rural location in a home that I really don’t like for my covetousness.  But, guess what?  God says that each person is responsible for his/her own behavior.  Oops!  It’s all on me.  I can’t stand before the Throne of Judgment and say, “Look, this is what made me make wrong choices.”  Nope!  I’m all alone before God and I am totally responsible for my conduct:  my thoughts, my words, my choices.  They’re all mine.  And, bad news to the generation that doesn’t take responsibility for anything: this verse applies to you, too.  There may be “extenuating circumstances” here on earth, but in Heaven, there is no such thing.  No excuses!  Just know in advance that you are responsible for your own behavior and you will suffer consequences for wrong ones, if not on earth, then certainly before the Father who created you.  I think that only His mercy and grace have saved me thus far in my life.  I know it’s wrong to covet what others have and that is one of the things that I have to confess and ask forgiveness for frequently.  

This is my prayer.  I want to only be able to boast about the Lord Jesus and His death for me on the cross.  I have to crucify daily my interest in this world.  That means that I take my eyes off the house that I want and focus on the cross instead.  Do you have to ever do that?  Do you make the choice to turn from what tempts you and look only at the cross?  He is my reason for living and the only way that I can continue in this life with all of its struggles.  I hope that you have found the peace and completeness that is only in Him.  Who is He?

He is the Lord God, the one who made the seas and all life in it.  He made me, and He made you, whether you acknowledge Him or not.  He is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and He is on my side when I fight the petty battles of life.  I just have to call on Him and He is right there.  He answers me with peace and with the feeling that all will be okay in the end.  He will make all things right, and He is preparing a real and eternal home for me in Heaven.  I hope you will be a “neighbor” there, in Heaven, I mean.  There is every reason to accept His salvation and love.  Ask Him into your heart today and begin walking in His joy and peace and power.  It’s a journey that you will never regret and be thankful for daily.  When you make that choice, please let me know so that I can rejoice with you!