A Kingdom Catechism
The tenth commandment counsels gratitude and contentedness.
Q 129: What is the substance of the tenth commandment?
A 129: The substance of the tenth commandment is that we must receive with thanksgiving and contentment whatever it pleases God to distribute to us or bestow upon us. (1 Tim. 6.6-8; Eccl. 7.14; Eccl. 2.24, 25; Phil. 4.6, 7, 11, 12)
Believers overcome covetousness through the practice of thanksgiving (Rom. 12.21). Thanksgiving must at all times be the Christian’s first line of response, in every situation resisting the temptation to grumble, complain, become angry, or covet by turning our eyes to God in gratitude for His sovereignty and gifts. Thanksgiving, as Paul explains, produces peace – the context of the Kingdom – and peace is the hallmarks of contentment. Thus, every temptation to covet should be received as invitation to give thanks and to wait upon the Lord for a fuller realization of His Kingdom peace in our lives.
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