COVETOUSNESS!

by J. C. Ryle-

Greatness and riches are a perilous possession for the soul.

Those who seek to have them, know not what they seek.

They lead men into many temptations.

They are likely to fill the heart with pride,
and to chain the affections down to things below.

"Not many mighty, not many noble are called."
"How hardly shall they that have riches enter into
the kingdom of God" (I Cor. 1:26; Mk. 10:23).

Do we envy the rich and the great?
Does our heart sometimes say, "oh, that I had
their place, and rank, and substance?"
Let us beware of giving way to such feelings.
The very wealth which we admire may be gradually
sinking its possessors down into hell.

A 'little more money' might be our ruin.

"Take heed, and beware of covetousness."
"Be content with such things as you have"
(Lk. 12:15; Heb. 13:5).

We are most of us far too ready to "seek great things"
in this world: let us "seek them not" (Jer. 45:5).

To have a place and a title and a position in society
is not nearly so important as people think.

It is a great sin to be covetous and worldly and proud:
but it is no sin to be poor.

It matters not so much what money we have, and where we live,
as what we are in the sight of God.

Where are we going when we die?

Shall we live forever in heaven?

These are the main things to which we should attend.