Wanting What You can’t Have

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.
 (1 Kings 21:1-6)

Thought For Today:

One of the greatest lessons we can learn in life at an early stage is the importance of contentment with what we already have.  When we desire or covet what others have, it is sure to lead us into heartache and trouble.  Ahab was a king.  He had more than what one could probably ask for.  But he wanted Naboth's vineyard.  And when he didn't give it to him or trade with him, he became sad and downtrodden.  

James said that when lust is conceived, it will bring forth sin, and when sin is finished, it will bring forth death.  Anything that causes you heartbreak because you want it but can't have it will need to be placed in check. If you continue to lust after it, it will surely lead you to sin and make poor choices.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.  Be content with the things you have been given.