“Beware ye of Covetousness.”
By C. Green
THESE were the words uttered by our Saviour as a particular warning to those living in the last days. Never, perhaps, were there in the history of the world, greater inducements to gain wealth than at the present time. Never did the spirit of overreaching prevail more than now. It requires effort to live out the commandment, “Thou shalt not covet,” and breast the current that is carrying down the multitude to perdition. God would save his people. He has ever been trying to do this. Man’s mind is perverted. Passion rules. All his higher powers worship at its shrine. Reason is exercised in forming plans to secure means to gratify selfish ends. If aught is given, it is too often done for applause, or to help the giver to advance his own interest. Such have their reward. Matt. 6: 1-3. By the light given in God’s word, we learn how to avoid covetousness—of the honor of men as well as of unjust gain. The naturally covetous can learn duty therefrom, and save being wrecked on these rocks which are many in the sea of life. Giving, was in the old dispensation, God’s chief plan to keep his people from selfishness. His cause was first to be considered by them. Sacrifices and offerings were made by all, none were excused. If too poor, the more fortunate were to see that they had the required offering to present. The poor who would ever be with them, were cared for. Lev. 19: 9, 10; Deut. 24: 19. In various ways were this people called upon to give a portion of what God had given them; and he had promised the storehouse should never fail, as long they obeyed him. Lev. 26: 3-5. All along, the church has been called upon to sacrifice. The cause of God, near and dear to all his children, has ever needed their support. We should not be surprised if we are called upon in these last days to give. Give to his cause. Give to the needy. Give, that our hearts may ever respond to the call of suffering humanity. Give, that we may be provided with “bags that wax not old, a treasure in the Heavens that faileth not.” Give, that we may feel while our earthly stores are diminishing that the words, “fear not little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” are ours. Give, that when the golden city opens to our view, we may feel the words of a dying saint, “What I have used, I have had; what I have given, I have got; what I have kept, I have lost.” Give, because it is duty, a privilege, and that it is more blessed to give than to receive; and also that it may save us from that snare of the devil—covetousness.