This extra session to the Christ Church Wednesday Bible Groups study of the ten commandments is on Contentment, the antidote for disobedience of the tenth commandment to not covet.
The Ten Commandments, stand as a monumental and foundational text, not just for the Israelites at Mount Sinai, but for all who seek to understand God's will and live a righteous life. More than a simple list of "dos and don'ts," these commandments are a divine blueprint for flourishing human existence—they detail how we are to rightly relate to our Creator and how we are to rightly relate to one another. As we embark on this study, we are invited to look beyond the surface rules and engage in the continuous process of self-reflection and alignment with God's guidance. Our goal is to uncover the deep wisdom, the sacrificial love, and the enduring relevance of these ten statements, allowing them to shape a stronger, more Christ-centered foundation in our own faith and priorities.
The 10th Commandment—"You shall not covet"—is unique. While the other commandments often focus on external actions (murder, theft, adultery), this one targets the interior life. It is the only commandment that explicitly forbids a thought or a desire rather than a physical deed.
If covetousness is the "disease," contentment is the cure. Contentment isn't about having everything you want; it’s about trusting that God has provided exactly what you need. This session is about contentment the cure of the disease of disobedience of the tenth commandment
Exodus 20:17 (NIV) "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
The 10th Commandment—"You shall not covet"—is unique among the Decalogue. While the other commandments often focus on external actions (murder, theft, adultery), this one targets the interior life. It is the only commandment that explicitly forbids a thought or a desire rather than a physical deed.
Understanding "Covetousness"
To covet is more than just noticing something nice; it is an inordinate, grasping desire for what belongs to another. It is the "root" sin that often leads to the breaking of the other commandments dealing with how we relate to and with others
Coveting is the silent engine of outward transgression.
Coveting a neighbor's wife leads to adultery (7th Commandment).
Exodus 20:14 NIV You shall not commit adultery.
Coveting a neighbor's property leads to stealing (8th Commandment).
Exodus 20:15 NIV You shall not steal.
Coveting a neighbor's reputation can lead to false testimony (9th Commandment).
Exodus 20:16 NIV You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
If covetousness is the "disease," contentment is the cure. Contentment isn't about having everything you want; it’s about trusting that God has provided exactly what you need.
Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
That perspective gets to the very core of spiritual maturity. It shifts the focus from scarcity (what I lack) to stewardship (what I’ve been entrusted with). In a world designed to keep us in a state of "perpetual wanting," contentment is actually a quiet form of rebellion against the status quo.
The Mechanics of Contentment
If we view contentment as a muscle rather than just a feeling, we can see how it actively fights the "disease" of covetousness:
1. The Shift from "If-Then" to "Even-If"
Covetousness says: "If I get that house/job/relationship, then I will be at peace." It creates a moving finish line that you can never actually cross.
Contentment says: "Even if I don't have those things, God is enough." It anchors your identity in something that cannot be bought, sold, or lost.
2. Vertical vs. Horizontal Living
Covetousness is horizontal—you are constantly looking left and right at your neighbors to see how you measure up. Contentment is vertical—your eyes are fixed upward, recognizing that every "good and perfect gift" comes from above
James 1:16-17 NIV [16] Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Contentment in "This Season"
Your point about the current season is vital. We often covet the "harvest" of someone else's season while ignoring the "planting" or "pruning" God is doing in ours.
The Manna Principle: In the desert, God gave the Israelites enough manna for one day. If they tried to hoard more (covetousness), it rotted. They had to learn to trust the Provider for the next day's needs.
The "Secret" of Paul: Even the Apostle Paul said he had to learn to be content (Philippians 4:11-12). It didn't come naturally; it was a practiced alignment of his priorities with God’s will.
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Contentment can be defined as a type of “satisfaction” or “happiness.” or an “ease of mind.” Contentment doesn’t mean we don’t want more. Instead, it’s about being okay with what is and accepting that what you currently have is enough.
1 Timothy 6:6 NIV But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Often, we are worn down by concerns of having enough money, enough relationships, enough time, and the list goes on. If we were to adopt a contented mindset, we might still want more, but we certainly wouldn’t be worn down by our worries.
Matthew 6:25 NIV “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
A Mindset of Strength
Knowing what contentment is doesn’t quite explain how to get there. In the passage from Paul, we don’t get a literal definition of the word, but he does illustrate a contented mindset. He, a man who was stoned, imprisoned, sick, and afflicted with much more, says that he learned how to make do with a little and with a lot. This means that he went through seasons of life where there was plenty of good, and seasons where good was lacking. In whichever place he found himself, Paul discovered how to thrive.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV [23] Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. [24] Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, [26] I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. [27] I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. [28] Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Philippians 4:12 NIV [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
He was not worn down with worries. On the contrary, he felt empowered. Christ strengthened him.
2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Needless to say, that’s probably the kind of mindset you want for yourself and your loved ones, There are likely several ways to find contentment, but let's focus on the big ones that you can start implementing in your life today.
1. Flee Sin
If you are not content already, chances are sin might be getting in the way. Often, in life, we can easily discern what others are doing wrong, but we seldom have such a critical eye when examining ourselves.
Spend some time reflecting on why you don’t feel content. Do you constantly desire more because of a lack of self-control, because of bad role models, because of addiction, or something else? The sooner we get out of our own way, the closer we come to finding contentment.
Luke 12:15 NIV [15] Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
2. Pray Constantly
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Talk to him about what troubles you and how you want to put those troubles in the past. He can not only bless you with His perfect peace, but also help you see the ways in which you (or others) are holding you back. The more transparent we can be with God, the more we invite Him to work in our lives.
Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
3. Express Gratitude
The Bible encourages us to give thanks, and most believers do just that. We recognize that gratitude is important and thus, we say thanks for acts of service, and gifts. However, many of us don’t recognize just how grateful we ought to be. Perhaps, what Paul discovered is that while there are obvious blessings we know to thank God for, there are also blessings that will go unseen if we allow it. Someone holding the door open for you is much more obvious than being able to use the restroom without any pain, or sleep in a bed, or have a job. Imagine what your mindset would look like if you actively sought out these often-forgotten blessings.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
4. Refine Your Perspective
If there’s a certain way you’re used to thinking and you want to think in a new, better way, then there’s work you have to put in. No one controls you but you. Therefore, if you want to be more content, make a list of ways in which you need to alter any negative beliefs holding you back. For example, some people say that they will not be happy until X happens. That could be marriage, having a child, or finding a job. Rather than holding yourself captive, learn to be content with God and with what you do have, in the present.
Proverbs 16:8 NIV Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
5. Remember Those Blessings
God has come through on your behalf before, and He’ll do it again. Scripture tells us time and time again that He keeps His promises. When He does, don’t fall into the normal human tendency to forget. If you need to, write those blessings down in a journal or somewhere else where you will get a visual reminder. And when you need to, seek out that reminder. The more you think about what God has done, the more you will realize what He can and will do.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV [1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (emphasis mine)
There’s no need to be discontent, but we trick ourselves into such a mindset because we’re flawed, sinful, and human. However, like Paul, we can turn our human weaknesses on their heads and become men and women who are content. Why? Because Christ strengthens us.
Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Reflections for the Study:
Gratitude vs. Comparison: Comparison is the "thief of joy." When we focus on what others have, we become blind to our own blessings.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Coveting suggests that God has been "unfair" or has made a mistake by not giving us what someone else has. Contentment rests in the belief that God is a good provider.
Discussion & Application
Identify the "Trigger": What is the one thing (social media, certain peer groups, material goods) that most often makes you feel "not enough"?
The "Check" System: When you feel a pang of envy, try to immediately turn it into a prayer of blessing for that person.
The Gospel Connection: Jesus was the only one who never coveted; He gave up everything so that we could inherit the riches of God's grace. How does knowing your "inheritance in Christ" change your view of worldly possessions?
.png)
