Dirk Taljaard

Reading from Scripture

Exodus 20:17

Do not desire another man's house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.

Having dreams and ideals is part of life. Because it’s all about obtaining what you do not have (yet), or becoming what you still wish to become. It is an all important exercise. Without it stagnation sets in. Without it life would be bleak and boring. Dreams keep the flame of hope burning to remind us that growth and self-improvement is imperative.

Danger, however, looms when dreams become so overwhelming that they turn into urges and desires in need of being satisfied at all cost. Then people start stealing, murdering, committing adultery, lying to lay their hands on what they want so badly.

This is the essence of this last commandment: to desire something or someone already belonging to someone else. The fact that we are all products of a competitive society causes people to acquire as much as possible, so as to compare favourably (or better) with family and friends. This kind of mentality has become the downfall of many people. Desires start with a thought and, and given the ideal breeding ground, eventually become an obsession which eventually translate into a habit or a way of life.

Given the fact that marketing is done in a professional way, research normally focuses on this inherent weak spot in our make-up: the urge for more and better. This becomes the backbone of many a marketing strategy. Where would you find the chocolates and chips in a supermarket? At the pay points. The spot where people queue, waiting to pay. There you (or mostly your kids) see these non-essentials and you convince yourself that you do want it. Advertisements are put together in such a way that you get swept away, causing you to buy things you actually do not need.

The very same principle applies with regards to many other things. Where does infidelity in marriages originate? By looking around and convincing yourself that you are actually entitled to someone else’s partner. Why do people steal? Because they see and desire and eventually lay claim to something that does not belong to them.

Be content with the hand you’ve been dealt.

Heavenly Father, I am content with everything I have. Amen.