The next two words are *evil con cupiscence.” Giving that a modern- day translation, it simply means de sires which are evil, wicked yearn ings and cravings. This is not neces sarily just the aspect of sex, although SECON D C O M IN G The Master is coming again some day; That day may be near or far away. The Master left us in charge, you know; When He returns, what fruit can you show? Have you invested His money, and in crease earned Or laid it away and were unconcerned? Or perhaps you used it only for self And boasted then of your great wealth. In His vineyard, many hours did you spend? Did you, through the summer, the vines attend? Did you prune them, dig around them, too? Did you care for them the season through? Did you heed the cry of the Lord's poor? Did you the outcast turn from your door? When one of His sheep had gone astray Did you seek to find him and for him pray? In all such such things He is expecting you To minister to all, to Him be true. The Master left us in charge, you know; He expects, from us, some results to show. For He is coming back again some day . . . And His coming may not be so far away! that certainly enters into it, but more than this, all other activities of pas sion— anything which exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ. Then we find “covetousness.” At least on the surface, it might seem
that Paul made a mistake in includ ing this fifth idea with these other four which are so explosive. As a matter of fact, it is covetousness which is the basic cause of fornica tion, uncleanness, inordinate affection and evil concupiscence. Covetousness has been defined as the attitude ex pressing “must-have-moreness.” It is the individual who proverbially tries to keep up with the Joneses, endea voring to pattern his life after the world. It is the sinful itch to get more, the lust for selfish gain. It may also mean taking advantage of others or a strong desire for immoral liv ing. In other portions of Scripture we find similar lists, such as Ephe sians 5:3, Galatians 5:19, I Thessa- lonians 4:5, and of course Romans 1:26 ff. Let us remember that the Lord has sentenced all of these things to death. It is our job to perform the execution. Killing something is never very pleasant. For this reason, many Christians seem to be squeamish about mortifying these sinful things which have become a part of their lives. The Lord, however, has given us the definite order. We will never know real peace or contentment in life, until we actually fulfill this im perative command. God says, “You’re going to have to cut these things out; you’re going to have to kill them, so that your spiritual life may grow, bringing forth fruit and proving it self in the sight of God, as well as in the sight of man.” PUTTING OFF AND PUTTING ON PART III I N C olossians 3:6 we read, “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of dis obedience." We have seen adultery, immorality, covetousness — all of which things abound in the world; We need not illustrate them further. The daily newspaper is most explicit. God says some day these things will be judged. In the future those who 17
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