As a young Christian, this commandment was often explained to me as “wanting something really bad that isn’t yours.” But it’s really the heart of everything that goes before (at least in the second table). It speaks of an inner disposition of the heart and not only of action. Covetousness is a lack of contentment. We should also not miss that each covetous desire has an object already belonging to someone else. 

If I look at someone with a successful career as an author and say, “I would like to do what is necessary likewise to become a successful author,” that is not covetousness. That is a desire and perhaps even an appropriate desire, so long as it is tied to the glory of God. What would be coveting is if I said, “That person has a successful career as a writer. I want to make his platform my own and be the one getting the book deals instead of him.” Now, that is covetousness. And it is at the heart of all the brokenness in society. 

As we reflect on these commandments for our day, we should remember their fulfillment in Christ. His role in this is not just a passing thought but the center of our interaction with these commandments. We, as humans, have already broken the covenant; we have already broken the law. As such, we stand as condemned law-breakers. But this is not true of Christ. He has kept each commandment perfectly, not only by letter but, more importantly, in the heart and spirit. 

Thankfully, His record becomes ours. As we reflect upon these commandments, we don’t attempt to fulfill them alone or for a right standing with God. That has already been secured through the work of Christ. No, we pursue these because we are accepted. We pursue these because we agree with God about how we should live. We live out the Ten Commandments because we are enthralled with the kingdom of God, and we want to love God and people, fostering a sense of connection and compassion. 

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