Thou Shalt Not Covet

This week we read in Hebrews chapters 8-13. There were a couple of verses that I really like in this book. The first was in chapter 12:6-7 & 11-12. This whole chapter was about being chastened and how it is for our benefit. I love this reminder because we all hate being corrected. It is rare that we are corrected in a way that helps us feel good about ourselves but also changes how we act. As I thought about that, I wished I could parent that way. I would love to be able to correct my children while still making them feel good about themselves and want to do better. 
The other scripture that I liked in this section were in Chapter 13:5. This scripture talks about how we should not covet what we don't have. It tells us that we need to be happy with what we have been given. The verse goes on to say, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." I thought that was an odd combination for that verse. First it is saying to enjoy what we have and then it says that He will not leave us. As I thought about that I wondered if it meant that if we have the full restored gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives that is all we need and the rest is just an added bonus. When we are faithful to the Savior and our Heavenly Father, we will have everything that we need to reach Heaven and live with God again. Why do we worry about having so many worldly things when in reality none of that brings us closer to God? When we can finally realize that what we have can and will make us happier than anything else, then we can be free. Free from hating others for what they have, free from jealousy, and free from bad thoughts. These are all things that bring us down and make us miserable. Let's focus on what we have been given. We have bodies that enable us to become perfect one day, we have the love of an older brother who will always be there for us no matter what, and we have the promise that we will live with God again if we follow His commandments. What could be better than that?
-Skeeter