What Does 'Why Not Covet' Really Keep Us From Doing?

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one commandment that seems deceptively simple, it’s the one found in Exodus 20:17: “Thou shalt not covet.”

When we hear that commandment, sometimes we think of it as just a rule to keep off the tongue or a quick verse to memorize for a missionary discussion. But after wrestling with it, listening to the Spirit whisper about it, I realize it’s less about *stopping* a thought, and more about *redirecting* the entire current of our hearts. It’s a guardrail for our desires.

It’s easy to think that coveting is just wanting what belongs to someone else—a nicer car, a better job, or even someone else's spiritual blessing. And yes, that’s part of it. But the depth of what this commandment guards against is profound. It guards our focus, our peace, and our ability to feel the Spirit in the moments that matter most.

I was recently listening to a podcast episode diving into this, and it really hit home how much this commandment keeps us from doing—or rather, what it keeps us from *becoming*. It’s about the internal landscape of our hearts. When we are constantly looking outward, comparing, or desiring what isn't ours, we are essentially pulling our attention away from the covenants we have made with our Heavenly Father.

Cultivating the Heart: From Comparison to Covenant

For us, as disciples—whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake, or right here in our homes—our greatest field is often our own hearts. The temptation to compare our journey, our blessings, or even our *progress* to what we see on social media, or what our companions seem to have, is real. That subtle whisper of "why not..." can be insidious.

This is where the power of the commandment shines. It forces us to ask: What am I coveting right now? Is it a material thing, or is it something spiritual? Am I coveting the *feeling* of being spiritually secure, or am I coveting the *appearance* of it?

My little mission-prep skill this week, which I’ve been practicing, is a moment of pause. When I feel that little tug—that comparison pang—I physically stop, take a breath, and mentally repeat: "I will focus on the covenant I *have* made, not the one I *don't* have." It’s a conscious act of redirecting the Spirit’s focus back to the Savior.

If you are feeling the pull of comparison, or if you’re just looking for deeper scripture study, I highly recommend checking out the resources mentioned in the podcast. It’s a wonderful reminder that our journey is unique, and the Lord knows the perfect timing for every single blessing.

Remember, the goal of the work isn't perfection; it's consistent, humble effort. It's about choosing to keep our eyes fixed on the Savior, no matter what the world—or even our own hearts—try to distract us with.

Join the Rogue Disciples Movement

If this resonated with you, don't let this be a one-time read. We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. If you want to deepen this study, I encourage you to jump into a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Or, if you prefer a more structured, one-on-one deep dive, I’d love for you to bring your toughest questions to Davee. He’s ready to run you through some investigator-level questions about this commandment!

For those who love digging into the foundational texts, I’ve been rereading some of the Iron Rod authors lately. If you haven't, take a look at what's available in LivingBook.