Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker opens by saying covetousness values “things…over people who are created in the image of God”; where do you see that value-order showing up most subtly in Christian homes and churches (schedules, spending, “success” language), and what would it look like to reverse it in concrete ways?
Another way to ask: Where do you see people in Christian homes or churches quietly treating things as more important than people (in schedules, spending, or how we talk about “success”)? What would it look like to clearly put people first in real, practical ways?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, this value-order shows up when “things” (comforts, upgrades, status, accumulation) quietly set our priorities, while people—especially “the least”—receive what’s left. Reversing it would mean making Jesus’ teachings the standard, cultivating contentment, and weaving generosity and care for people into the normal pattern of life.
- The speaker defines covetousness as valuing “possessions, money…land, over people who are created in the image of God.”
- He says covetousness often pushes people to do “whatever it takes…stealing, cheating,” because desire “is controlling their heart.”
- He warns we set our “standard” wrongly when we look at neighbors: “They have two cars. I have two cars…We’re fine…But that’s not where we get our standard…We look at the teachings of Jesus.”
- He ties reversing it to Jesus’ priorities: “seek ye first the kingdom of God,” and to caring for people: “I was hungry, and you gave me food…a stranger, and you took me in.”
- He calls for contentment with basics: “having food and clothing, with these, we shall be content,” and says giving should be “woven throughout the fabric of our lives.”