You shall not covet. Exodus 20:17; NKJV

Early in the American military, awards did not draw much attention, until the Medal of Honor was granted in the late 1800’s. Many Civil War veterans received the badge for service almost half a century earlier. For the first time veterans began to not only accept military medals as an American tradition, but to covet them as well. A starving appetite for medals sent some men to unruly and unbecoming acts. Another word for this is lust.

Setting career goals is one thing, but longing after someone else’s position or badges is quite another. “Oh how I wish that command were mine!” or “I would die to have her body and to be able to fit into that uniform!” are just a few examples of coveting, a language of discontent. For some reason, the “grass always appears greener on the other side.” If the Lord has not chosen to give us any special talents or gifts, we should rejoice in those blessings He has given rather than covet for what we don’t have.

Covetousness is a form of idolatry, worship at the shrine of materialism (Ephesians 5:5; Deuteronomy 7:25). Its battle is internal, something only the Holy Spirit can purify because it is a matter of the heart. The true Medal of Honor should be deserved by those who restrain from coveting, and have a starving appetite for the Living God.

“Who covets more is evermore a slave.” – Robert Herrick