Do Not Covet

Accept all circumstances as opportunities to keep the Ten Commandments.

Discussion forum on Rise Above It

Sermons on the 9th and 10th Commandments:
Rev. Ray Silverman, 9th Commandment | Rev. Ray Silverman, 10th Commandment | Rev. Frank Rose, Part I | Rev. Frank Rose, Part II | Rev. David Roth

This brings us full circle, right back to the first great spiritual principle: There is only One True God. You have identified the most tyrannical false god of all—your self! What a relief to discover that you do not have to run the universe, or control the way people feel, think, or act. At last, you can get off the throne, get out of the way, and let God be God. Your task, then, is to get your own house in order by cleansing the inside of the cup and dish—that is, by identifying and fleeing from any and all desires that are contrary to the Ten Commandments. Whenever something presents itself to your mind, whether it arises from an inordinate love of the world or an inordinate love of self, you need only think, "I will not do this because it is opposed to the commandments of God." Then notice how God flows in with noble thoughts and loving emotions. This is the kingdom of heaven.