The word covet means to take pleasure in something which belongs to another. In essence it is the self-invitation to “live free to crave.” It also has a nuance of stealing the butchered and prepared offerings of others by our choice to covet. God’s Law was given to the Jews (and to humanity) to clearly define what it meant to please God – as well as to clarify what it means to spit in His face.
Once again we are looking at a commandment which has relational implications. My choice to covet what belongs to another will always result in a cost for me as well as the person my mind and heart have targeted.
“But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead.” – Romans 7:8
As with rejecting the other freedom commandments, coveting/craving what belongs to another not only costs us something, it robs the other person of his or her satisfying joy. This also helps with clarity:
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Specifically, ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet – these are summed up in the truth that you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the way we fulfill what God requires.” – Romans 13:8-10
When His commands are observed our consciences are free to dance the dance of life, and to do so with huge satisfaction of heart, mind, and soul.