Monthly Archives: July 2026

STOP COVETING! START LOVING! (3)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

STOP COVETING! START LOVING! (3)

“You shall not covet [that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire] your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour” (Exo 20:17; AMP). Coveting is defined as having a strong desire of envy and greed to possess something that belongs to another, his property, spouse or status. It is often accompanied by dis-contentment with what you currently have. Covetousness is not a simple desire for what others have but a passionate and selfish longing that leads to other sins like theft, adultery or crime. Coveting damages relationships thru envy and bitterness. The sin of coveting is hidden. It starts in the heart. It is not only manifested in actions but in desires and thoughts. In the Garden of Eden, Eve desired the forbidden fruit. It led to disobedience and affected all humanity. God judged and punished that sin. All men suffer from that sin.

COVETING COMES FROM COMPARING

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2Cor 10:12). Paul criticizes the practice of using yourself as the standard for measurement with others. The Corinthian church was influenced by the world that valued status and comparison. Paul calls for a different standard rooted in divine wisdom and humility. Self-comparison is spiritual blindness to the values of God’s kingdom. This ignorance is the opposite to God’s wisdom, which is pure, peace-loving, and considerate (Jam 3:13-17). We should seek God’s approval and grow in wisdom, rather than human praise. Humility is a key Christian virtue. Let us humble ourselves like Jesus!

“We dare not” shows that comparison is spiritually dangerous, not just unwise. “Class, compare and measuring” is by human standards. The Holy Spirit rejects human wisdom! Why comparing with one another is foolish? Because it replaces God’s standard who is His Son, Jesus, with shifting human opinions. It produces pride when we appear superior and discouragement when we feel inferior to others. The root of a comparing heart is Pride that desires recognition and inferiority complex from ignorance of your identity in Christ. It produces envy, covetousness, competition and division. What is the cure? Becoming more spiritual! Becoming like Jesus! Christ died for you and accepted you as you are. No need to ask any man for approval. The gifts we receive from Christ are grace-gifts, not personal achievements. These are unique for each believer and not to be compared with others. Salvation and the call of God are personal. Jesus told Peter: “You follow Me!” (Jn 21:22). True boasting centres on the Lord, not on personal status: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (2Cor 10:17). Celebrate God’s work in others; verbal encouragement silences envy. Thanksgiving redirects focus from what others have, to what God has provided to you. Meditate on Scriptures declaring God’s personal design for you, to strengthen your Christ rooted identity. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14), Conscious refusal to compare, combined with delight in God’s personal grace, guards your heart from pride and discouragement and preserves unity within the body of Christ. Selah!

These are some visible signs of coveting:

*You do not rejoice with those who rejoice!

*You pay more attention to people’s things (their money) than to the people’s souls (hearts)!

*Your prayers for material things are not answered. This is because you pray amiss, to satisfy your flesh! Covetousness blocks prayer.

*You think that bigger is always better (bigger house, bigger cars, bigger salary etc)

*You always complain about your house, spouse or job.

LESSONS TAKEN FROM THE STUBBORN CALF

“For Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn calf; Now the LORD will let them forage Like a lamb in open country” (Hos 4:16). “I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God” (Jer 31:18). Isreal is like a stubborn calf (a young cow), that plants its feet in the ground and refuses to submit to its master. God wants us to be like lambs in the peaceful, fruitful, safe “open country”, under the watchful eyes of the Sheperd, who is Christ Himself.

STUBBORNESS REVEALED

Stubbornness is an attitude to do what you want and reject all correction even when faced with reasonable opposition. It is fighting a lost battle with reality. Losers are stubborn. It comes from pride, from a desire to stay in control especially when you are insecure or anxious.

*The stubborn calf (backslider) refuses to submit and carry its yoke. God says: “For long ago you broke your yoke [in deliberate disobedience] And tore off your bonds [of the law that I gave you]; You said, ‘I will not serve and obey You!’ For on every high hill And under every green tree You have lain down [in idolatrous worship] like a [compliant] prostitute” (Jer 2:20; AMP).

*The backslider refuses correction: “For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not, 16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”! Therefore, you shall flee! And, “We will ride on swift horses”! Therefore, those who pursue you shall be swift!” (Isa 30:15,16).

CONSEQUENCES OF STUBBORNESS

*The backslider loses God’s protection. A stubborn calf wanders away from protection and becomes an easy prey to wild animals.

*The backslider loses its privileges and fellowship with God: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king” (1 Sam 15:23)

*God disciplines the stubborn backslider. “For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue” (Hosea 5:14). In Judgment God’s shows mercy! Jesus, our good Shepherd, specializes in turning stubborn calves into submissive lambs. When we surrender each day to Him, He leads us to the open country of peace, protection, and purpose. To God be all the glory!

LESSONS FROM BROTHER JOSEPH (Genesis 30:1-23)

“The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man… “Joseph was handsome in form and appearance” (Gen 39:2,6). Joseph was handsome. This gift attracted temptation. God made Lucifer, the chief of angels, to be beautiful and wise. He became proud and rebellious. God judged him: “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…  Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you” (Ezekiel 28:12,17).

While Joseph’s appearance is noted, his character and God’s favour on him are what truly define his success. Other Bible characters were beautiful and strong. Sarah was beautiful even at 90 years of age when she became pregnant (Gen 20:2-7). David: “was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance” (1 Sam 16:12).  Esther “had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Esther 2:7). Daniel was in the group of “young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom” (Dan 1:4). Jospeh is a type of Christ who despite being sinless, faced temptation and trials. Lessons: External beauty is God’s gift. It should lead to humility and thanksgiving. But like Absalom, it can lead to pride and destruction. To balance it, external beauty needs internal spiritual changes. God’s blessings cover the whole person: spirit, mind, and body. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (Jam 1:17). External beauty, opportunities, resources, intelligence, physical strength, all are entrusted to us to be faithful stewards to God. Beauty and other visible gifts usually bring severe trials of faith. Humility and faithfulness attract God’s favour. Cultivating God’s presence, the beauty of holiness, is the secret for all godly success!

Integrity is defined as the practice of being honest, respectful, speaking the truth, having a clean conscience, being faithful to God’s Word and moral principles, and consistently making wise, positive decisions. The opposite of integrity is corruption and compromise. Corruption means lowering your standard of moral principles. Joseph is in Egypt through painful family betrayal. He is sold as a slave to Potiphar. Despite being a slave, he displays integrity, humility and wisdom. He becomes Potiphar’s chief steward. This is evidence that godly character and integrity is not bound by circumstances. Potiphar saw that Joseph was handsome, but he was not jealous or afraid to put him in charge of all things in his house. He trusted his character. “The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them” (PV 11:3; AMP). Man’s godly character is not passive. It is an internal invisible spiritual force, guiding him in paths or righteousness towards godly success. The unbeliever, the wicked man, is internally pushed towards evil, abandons truth and ends in destruction. Lesson: Godly character and not external beauty leads to good success in life!

Potiphar was a busy man and probably travelled a lot. Joseph often worked alone, without supervision. Yet, his conduct remained the same. Lessons: True integrity is inward before it is seen outward. Joseph’s private faithfulness to God sustained his public testimony. Joseph obeyed God’s Word: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:22-24). God rewards godly character and faithfulness!

Paul said: “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1Cor 4:1,2). This is an excellent picture of a godly faithful steward. Joseph was protecting property that was not his own. He was totally free from covetousness. He was not envious or greedy for Potiphar’s goods, wife or status. His godly character helped refuse Potiphar’s wife’s temptation. He told her: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9). Selah!

Nothing is hidden before God! Living in God’s presence is the best way to resist and reject sin. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good” (PV 15:3). God is intimately involved with His creation. He sees and knows everything we think, plan and do. God is not limited by time or space. He is the ultimate Judge of all men, good or bad. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (PV 9:10). As believers, we must continue to do good, even if nobody sees us, because God sees, judges and rewards us all. This is warning to the wicked and encouragement to the righteous!

Acting with integrity has many personal, social, and professional benefits. 1-Influence, leadership. Joseph’s faithful stewardship blessed Potiphar’s whole household (Gen 39:5). 2-Protection. God protected Joseph all his life. Even in prison, God’s favour went with him. 3-Preparation for greater success. The management skills Joseph learned in Potiphar’s house and in prison prepared him to become the Governor of Egypt (Gen 41:39-41). For every planting there is a harvest. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal 6:9). Selah!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates” (PV 31:30,31). This verse is addressed to the women, but the principle is universal to all. Joseph was a handsome man. But his godly character was even more beautiful than his outward appearance. The verse also compares that which is temporal with that which is eternal. God values the internal beauty more than the external one. For both men and women, the fear of God produces holiness which is a greater beauty than what our eyes can see.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Sam 16:7). Outward beauty is appreciated by men. It can open doors, but it can also attract snares. The fear of the LORD, godly character equips a believer to navigate thru open doors and avoid snares. Lasting honor and respect among men comes not from outward beauty but from godly character. Joseph’s beauty fades into the background as his godly character and wisdom shines forth in Egypt’s prison and palace alike. Measure people’s worth by their obedience to God and not by admiration. Thank God for your beautiful face. But pay the price for godliness. Outer beauty may draw attention, but inner beauty wins divine award. God says that godly character is “to be praised!”

Be faithful in present tasks, however small. Integrity grows and increases with time. Honor God in unseen moments; He sees and rewards. Treat every gift and resource (time, money, beauty, relationships…) as stewardship from God. Be “a good and faithful servant” to God. Make up your mind to resist the devil and his temptations. You shall not covet the things God has entrusted to you on behalf of others. Early convictions stand firm later, when the pressure increases. Your body is God’s gift. You are a steward of your body. You must answer to God for the way you use your body. No sexual sin is allowed. Sex is a gift from God to be activated only from the wedding day. God will use your testimony of integrity to influence others for good, to protect you from the devil and in His own time, God will open doors for greater visible success! Worship the Lord!

STOP COVETING! START LOVING! (2)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

STOP COVETING! START LOVING! (2)

Coveting is defined as having a strong, excessive desire of envy and greed, longing to possess something that belongs to another, his property, spouse or status. It is accompanied by dis-contentment with what you currently have. Coveting is the strong desire to obtain something that God has not given you! “Do not covet” is the only commandment that can be broken on the heart level (Exo 20:17) Covetousness is not a simple desire for what others have but a selfish longing that leads to other sins like theft, adultery or crime. Coveting damages relationships thru envy and bitterness. The sin of coveting is hidden. It starts in the heart. It is not only manifested in actions but in desires and thoughts. In the Garden of Eden, Eve desired the forbidden fruit. It led to disobedience and affected all humanity. God judged and punished that sin. The antidote against coveting is faith in God’s provision and Contentment. Redirecting desires towards spiritual growth gives a godly perspective. Agape Love is the best weapon against envy and coveting. “Love does not envy” (1Cor 13:4).

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Heb 13:5,6). True contentment is found not in material wealth but in Christ, in the assurance of God’s presence and His provision. God’s promise to never leave or forsake us is a source of comfort and strength, encouraging us to depend on Him rather than material possessions. To live free from covetousness means to see ourselves as stewards of God’s property on earth, love God more than loving money, support God’s work and help the needy.

Why are we warned against the love of money, greed and covetousness? Mammon, Love of money, competes with our love for God. Covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). It feeds dis-contentment, grumbling, making God’s provision seem insufficient. It creates a false sense of security that replaces trust in the Lord. It opens the door to many other sins: “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim 6:9-10). It blinds us to eternal priorities, chaining our hearts to the temporary. The antidote to greed is faith and confidence that God Himself is enough: “Never will I leave you.” His unchanging presence gives us what money never can buy: true peace, purpose, joy, and eternal life.

This is God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” God the Holy Spirit is literarily with us. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want!” (Ps 23:1). No matter the situation, Faith in God’s promise brings Peace that passes all understanding and reduces the power of anxiety. Before buying anything, pause and ask: “Will this draw my heart nearer to Christ or tempt me to rely on stuff?” Celebrate others’ blessings out loud, turning envy into intercession. You must daily replace greed with thanksgiving. “Lord, because You will never forsake me, I choose contentment right now.” Contentment grows as you seek God. The more it grows, the less room remains for restless greed.

Finally, money itself is neutral, just a tool. The heart’s attachment is the danger! God’s constant presence is greater treasure than any money. True contentment flows from trusting God for His faithful provision and protection. Men can wound and can kill but cannot change destinies. God’s omnipotence and protection surpass any earthly danger and gives strength and courage. Fight fear with Faith! Amen!

These are some visible signs of coveting:

*You do not rejoice with those who rejoice!

*You pay more attention to people’s things (their money) than to the people’s souls (hearts)!

*Your prayers for material things are not answered. This is because you pray amiss, to satisfy your flesh! Covetousness blocks prayer.

The solution is to exchange your desire for things and status with seeking God. In that way you give yourself a new vision, a new purpose in life. As God becomes your greatest desire, coveting disappears. You learn that godliness and contentment is great gain! Praise the Lord!

Note: Many Nigerians covet the life they imagine abroad. They sell their properties in Nigeria and take the risk to “Japa” (a Yoruba word meaning to escape, to run away. They base their decisions on false hopes, love of money and fear of poverty. Many are disappointed!!!

FEAR FREE

“Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim 1:6,7). Fear is a powerful, unpleasant emotion triggered by the perception of danger. It initiates a rapid “fight- or flee-or freeze” response, preparing you to confront the danger or run away to safety. It manifests as loss of courage. Fear is not limited to physical dangers like facing a predator but manifests in other types of threats: meeting a wild animal or a snake; being in an accident; fear of failure, poverty or rejection. Anxiety or worry is a form of general fear that has no particular threat.

In the Bible, the word “fear” appears more the 500 times. Here, in Greek, the word fear is “deilia” meaning timidity or cowardice. Is an evil spirit that attacks the mind. It destroys faith in God and the courage to make progress. Fear and doubt are twins. The attack of the spirit of fear produces weakness of the body, loss of love and confusion in the mind. Fear is a tool of the devil to weaken us, to disobey God.

*God has given us Power, not just physical strength but spiritual authority and capability to fulfill God’s purposes. Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses (Ac 1:8). This power shows in the bold proclamation of the gospel and the performance of miracles and equips believers to overcome challenges to live victoriously.

*God has given us Love! Jesus commands us to love God and others. This is agape love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice, as demonstrated by God’s love for humanity (John 3:16). This love is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and is essential for effective ministry and relationships within the body of Christ. Love is a powerful force casting out fear, producing unity and peace in the Body of Christ (1Jn 4:18).

*God has given us sound mind or self-control! This is the ability to exercise restraint and make wise decisions. It is another fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23) and is crucial for living a disciplined Christian life. In the early church, self-control was highly valued, especially in contrast to the moral excesses of the pagan society. This quality helps us to resist temptation and maintain integrity, reflecting the character of Christ. It is essential for effective leadership and personal growth, to align our actions with God’s will.

To fight fear is not thru self manufactured courage, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds Timothy “to stir up the gift of God”. The words “to stir up” can mean “to fan into flame”, like a small fire that needs to be revived. The lesson here is that spiritual gifts require active usage and effort to be effective as ministry in the church. A dying small fire needs fresh air and movement to grow. Spiritual gifts behave the same way; if unused, they die down; if used, they blaze. This connects with the biblical principle of stewardship. Believers are called to actively develop and use their God-given abilities because God will ask for an account.

Each believer has at least one gift from God the Holy Spirit. The gift is a product of God’s Grace and not a personal talent (Jam 1:17). It was imparted at salvation and often confirmed by leaders in the church. The gift can be material or spiritual blessings to be used to serve God. Because the Giver is faithful, the gift is reliable. God never wakes up with second thoughts about what He has promised to His people. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). The word “irrevocable” means forever settled, impossible to change. The action is final and binding. God’s gifts and call can’t be withdrawn or annulled. This shows the faithfulness and unchanging nature of God. “I the LORD do not change” (Mal 3:6). God’s covenant with Isreal and salvation in Christ are irrevocable gifts of Grace! Selah!

God’s gifts are not temporary or conditional; they are given with a purpose and remain with us throughout our lives. We are encouraged knowing that God’s call on our lives is sure and unchanging, regardless of circumstances or our weaknesses. Even during times of doubt, failure or backsliding, God’s call and gifts are not withdrawn. We must stay faithful to God and persevere during hard times, knowing that God’s call to you has not expired. Every promise God has made stands unshaken, and utterly reliable. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2Cor 1:20). Every promise is Yes and Amen! Not maybe! Knowing that God will not retract His call empowers you to press on even when progress feels slow. Trials are refining tools, not threats to your relationship with Him. “He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). Each  morning, give God thanks for your gift and call on your life!

LESSONS FROM DAVID AND GOLIATH

These are some lessons taken from David as he confronted and killed the Giant (1Sam 17:1-58). David stands for Jesus, King Saul and Eliab, stand for Christian backsliders and Goliath stands for Satan. We must speak and act like David! What was David’s secret of victory?

1-David knew the heart of God! He was one with God! He was offended because God was offended. He was jealous for God’s reputation among men. “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1Sam 17:26). Question: When was the last time you carried a burden for God and you got angry when God’s name was insulted?

2-David was spiritually prepared for battle by learning how to win in the secret place. He learned to conquer his fears. Before David met Goliath, he did impossible things in everyday life when only God was watching. He killed the lion and the bear who tried to steal his lambs. Lesson: your preparation in the quiet place will one day be rewarded by God in public!

3-David did not stop doing the right things by discouragement and criticism. David knew his father’s rejection. When Prophet Samuel came to look for the next king, David’s own father did not even call him to be considered. He also knew his brothers’ rejection. Eliab, his older brother, criticized him publicly, not privately (1 Sam 17:33). Even King Saul did not believe that David can win the Battle. Lesson: When you get ready to stand against any giant, do not look for men’s applause. Men will try to discourage you and reject you. We should keep our eyes on Jesus and the victory is sure!

4-David rejected Saul’s armour. Why? The armour was Saul’s and not David’s. David did not covet Saul’s status. David removed Saul’s armour because it was unfit, untested, and unnecessary for a battle the LORD had already claimed. The armour did not fit him (Saul was taller). David did not test it before using it. David distanced himself from Saul’s methods who was increasingly depending on outward show. Standing without the man-made armour, David is a symbol of salvation by Grace alone and not by works. David decided to trust God alone, using the sling he was used to. Have the courage to stand alone. Honor leaders but do not copy any man. Be original in your faith journey, using the gifts and skills God has given you. God can use our weakness to demonstrate His power and glory!

5-David was a humble man of Faith! He gave God all the glory! He knew God’s Word! He knew that he cannot win, but that God can kill the giant. The truth is that David did not kill the Giant. God went with the stone and knocked the giant down. Victory and glory belong to God alone! According to the promises God made to Abraham, when Goliath cursed David by his gods, God cursed him back. “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 12:3).  Lesson: When you preach, pray or prophesy, your words are your stones. May your words not fall to the ground! May God direct and activate your stones to bring down all giants opposing you! For the glory of His name! Amen! Worship the Lord!