The ability to discern between good and evil is determined by the things on which we focus our spiritual eyes. If we set our eyes on money, for example, we may have the good life for a while, but our judgment will become clouded. We'll make choices that defy our own values—choices that may devastate our families and destroy us in the end.
The Bible warns, "Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). If we love money we'll go to any extreme to get it. And then, "How great is that darkness" (Matthew 6:23).
In C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Edmund's lust for sweets leads him to betray his beloved brother and sisters. Eustace's desire for the dragon's gold eventually turns him into a dragon. Greed overcomes Prince Caspian on Deathwater Island as he dreams of the power its magic water will bring him.
Food, money, power—wherever we focus our spiritual eyes determines what we desire, and whether our lives are filled with light or filled with darkness. Jesus said, "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light" (Matthew 6:22).
Be careful where your eyes lead your desires.
— David H. Roper
No greater peace can flood our soul
Than when we choose a heavenly goal,
But when we covet worldly gain
We choose a path that brings us pain. —D. De Haan
Cure for covetousness: Think of something to give instead of something to get.