Though Shalt Not Covet...Lets Talk

[NateHowe]

Covetousness and seeking after good gifts are very different things. When we covet, we allow ourselves to become obsessed with the object of our desire. This obsession impairs our ability to feel the Spirit.

In contrast, seeking good gifts is necessary to temporal and spiritual salvation. For example, I seek after those things which will help my wife and son to be healthy, clothed, fed, sheltered, etc. Although I am seeking these things, the pursuit of them does not stand between me and the Lord. Rather, I am fulfilling the stewardship He gave me over them.

[captain_nephi]

Originally Posted by NateHowe

Covetousness and seeking after good gifts are very different things. When we covet, we allow ourselves to become obsessed with the object of our desire. This obsession impairs our ability to feel the Spirit.

In contrast, seeking good gifts is necessary to temporal and spiritual salvation. For example, I seek after those things which will help my wife and son to be healthy, clothed, fed, sheltered, etc. Although I am seeking these things, the pursuit of them does not stand between me and the Lord. Rather, I am fulfilling the stewardship He gave me over them.

Totally agree.

But, I am talking about our stewardship over all that we receive and how some a certain lifestyle can cause strife and coveting in others.

Is there a responsibility to live a modest lifestyle? And what exactly is that?

[SmilingRedhead]

Are you asking whether there is a responsibility to live a modest lifestyle so others won't covet what we have?

Well, surely we aren't responsible for the actions and thoughts of others?

If our intention for having lots and being 'the greatest' is so others can covet what we have, then we are out of balance with out priorities and we will be judged accordingly.

[pam]

This is probably just a lame attempt at humor..but along the subject line. When my boys see a car they like and say..."I want THAT car." I respond by saying...you don't want THAT car you want one LIKE it." Again this was only meant for humor...but then I try to explain to them about coveting things they don't have.

[captain_nephi]

Originally Posted by SmilingRedhead

A
Well, surely we aren't responsible for the actions and thoughts of others?

Yes and no. Being asked to dress modestly is no some part due to the fact that dressing immodestly can affect those around us.

Don't you think?

[captain_nephi]

Originally Posted by pam

This is probably just a lame attempt at humor..but along the subject line. When my boys see a car they like and say..."I want THAT car." I respond by saying...you don't want THAT car you want one LIKE it." Again this was only meant for humor...but then I try to explain to them about coveting things they don't have.

Don't know if you were referring to my original post, but it is no joke. But a very sincere question.

Everyone has the right to enjoy the fruits of the labors--clearly. But everyone also has stewardship of those fruits. So when is too much, too much? When should we as saints put millions into a scholarship fund for other people to enjoy, rather than build a ultra-luxurious vacation home.

Is it okay to stockpile wealth to ensure a lavish retirement rather than help our fellow man?

And how does this all play into coveting and possibly the whole idea around a united order?

[SmilingRedhead]

Well to an extent... Dressing immodestly can have various effects: Making others feel uncomfortable around us, others having impure thoughts and people tend to act differently when they dress immodestly.
But again, it is still down to the individual whether they chose to sin or not...
A woman dressing immodestly is not responsible for a man's choice to rape her purely because she wasn't wearing much. Just like a bank isn't responsible for being robbed purely for having 'lovely looking' money in it...

[pam]

Originally Posted by captain_nephi

Don't know if you were referring to my original post, but it is no joke. But a very sincere question.

Everyone has the right to enjoy the fruits of the labors--clearly. But everyone also has stewardship of those fruits. So when is too much, too much? When should we as saints put millions into a scholarship fund for other people to enjoy, rather than build a ultra-luxurious vacation home.

Is it okay to stockpile wealth to ensure a lavish retirement rather than help our fellow man?

And how does this all play into coveting and possibly the whole idea around a united order?

Was not directed at your OP as humor. It was my way of being able to teach my teenage boys who want everything that anyone else has about coveting. With a little humor thrown in. As I so stated a lame attempt but nothing more. Your question was sincere and I apologize if you took my comment as something more.

[MarginOfError]

I often find myself coveting Pam's ginger bread man

[SmilingRedhead]

Originally Posted by MarginOfError

I often find myself coveting Pam's ginger bread man

HAHAHA! Yeah, he looks rather tasty!