Things that Mar Family Life

Genesis 27:30-35; Matthew 5:31, 32; Luke 12:15

GOLDEN TEXT: “Bear ye one another’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2

THE Scriptural background of today’s lesson has been selected with a view of impressing upon the student the evil of covetousness, and how it mars the happiness of a family. This, indeed, is an important lesson to learn, and it would seem that the Golden Text sets forth very beautifully the only true antidote for covetousness; namely, the disposition to be a blessing to others rather than selfishly seeking the blessings which they enjoy. If we are deeply concerned about how we might be of help to others, we certainly will not be desirous of obtaining from them that which does not belong to us.

The bearing of one another’s burdens is an exhibition, of how true Christian love operates. Love, instead of coveting that which is possessed by and belongs to others, is willing, rather, to give up that which is properly its own, if, in so doing, others can be blessed. Paul confirms this, saying that “Love … seeketh not her own.” (I Cor. 13:5) While it is said that the Vatican Manuscript makes this text read that love doesn’t seek that which is not her own, yet the King James rendering is fully in harmony with the most outstanding examples of love given us in the Bible.

Jesus, for instance, earned the right to everlasting human life by His faithfulness in keeping the Law; but He gave it up as the ransom-price for the world. His followers are urged to lay down their lives for one another. To be imbued with this spirit is to be willing to sacrifice that which is properly ours that benefit may thereby accrue to others. It is an exacting test of discipleship, but when practiced in the church and in the home, makes for peace and happiness. It is difficult to imagine how there could be selfish striving in a home, in an ecclesia, or even among nations, if this principle were adhered to.

Three Scriptural illustrations of covetousness are cited as a basis for today’s lesson. The first of these is the case of Jacob and Esau. Probably in many church circles Jacob would be considered the covetous one in this illustration. The Scriptures, however, give us a different thought. It is not for us, of course, to defend Jacob and his mother for their misrepresentation of the facts; that is, in the deception of Isaac. Nor should we recommend that others should follow the same course.

Nevertheless, it is proper that we should notice that the Bible distinctly tells us that God’s loving favor was upon Jacob. “Jacob have I loved.” Undoubtedly Jacob was loved because of his great interest in the great oath-bound covenant God made with his grandfather Abraham. Note a word of condemnation for Jacob is given anywhere in the Bible, and no teacher in the name of the Lord has the right to be wiser than that which is written in His Word.

The circumstances indicate that Jacob’s real interest in the birth-right centered in the promises of God. Actually Esau was not deprived of the earthly possessions belonging to the firstborn, although his legal sale of the birthright, entitled Jacob to claim these as well. Jacob’s love for the birthright is held up for our emulation. Esau’s carelessness is held up as a warning that if any of us are careless of our birthright, we shall not only

The apostle calls our attention to the fact that the experiences of these two men in the long ago were typical. Abraham’s natural seed is indeed to have a blessing, represented by Esau’s blessing; but Abraham’s spiritual seed is to have the greater blessing, typified by Jacob’s inheritance. The earthly seed inherit the earthly blessing. The spiritual seed give up all their earthly rights that they may be possessors of the spiritual promises in which the natural man has no interest.

As it was quite proper for Jacob to earnestly desire that part of the birthright pertaining to God’s promises, and in so doing not be selfishly covetous, so we, too, may properly set our affections on that glorious inheritance which God has promised to the faithful followers of the Master. Just as Jacob was willing to sacrifice earthly advantages in favor of the promises, so we, as Christians, will gladly forego the “things that are seen” while we set our affections upon and strive after the “things that are not seen,” which are eternal.—II Cor. 4:16-18

Our attitude toward God and His, promises is reflected by our viewpoint and use of present privileges as Christians. These privileges are outlined for us in I Corinthians 12, where we are reminded that each one of us has been given some opportunity for service in the church. Here the apostle tells us that we are to “covet earnestly the best gifts.” We can properly covet these “gifts,” even the best of them, because they represent opportunities and abilities to serve and bless others. To covet them for the purpose of promoting self, to the disadvantage and possible injury of others, would be sin.

The second Scriptural reference to covetousness as a mar to happiness in the home is that pertaining to marriage—the coveting of someone else’s husband or wife. It is difficult to imagine how such could happen in a Christian home; but it certainly would destroy the peace of a home.

The third reference pertains to covetousness in the form of greed for material wealth. The man who asked the Master to intervene in the affairs of his family in order that he might get a share of the estate was evincing too much interest in riches that so easily become corrupted and moth-eaten. Jesus took occasion to remind this man that the abiding realities of life consist not in the abundance of things which one may possess. He might have added—as St. Paul told the elders of the Church at Ephesus He did—that the greatest joy of life is in giving, not receiving—for “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”—Acts 20:35

QUESTIONS:

What is the best antidote for the sin of covetousness?

Was Jacob blameworthy for making sure that he obtained the blessing of the birthright from Isaac? If not, why not?

Is it wrong for a Christian to earnestly strive for that which God has promised to the faithful followers of the Master?

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