What Comes to Your Mind When Greed Is Mentioned?

Greed is not a nice, attractive word, especially when it has personal implications. Most people are guilty of being greedy, if only momentarily. Has greed formed a vicious circle in your daily life? Greed is synonymous with possessiveness, with little consideration for what is right.

In the past, greed was listed as a deadly sin that sent a person to purgatory for an indefinite period of time. Greed has the potential of becoming an obsession, a passion for accumulating possessions and wealth. It can become more important than God or people.

Greed forms a vicious circle that captures the heart and the soul. Proverbs 8:18 teaches that wisdom should be our objective, for it is a gift from God. Listen to God's word:“I have riches and honor to give. What you get from me is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver.” God is the source of wisdom that is capable of satisfying the heart and the soul. 

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Then [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

~Luke 12:15 New International Version

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What Rewards Are You Seeking Now?

There’s something in human nature that loves to be rewarded for expressions of love, hard work, and good deeds done for others. The reward may be simply a sincere “thank you,” given from heartfelt gratitude. The gift of sincere appreciation covers the expenditure of effort freely given.

Long ago I was stranded when my car battery failed to start the engine. I waited patiently for someone to give it a boost, and finally someone offered that boost for a $20.00 fee, which I paid, but with mixed feelings. One was gratitude, but I also felt taken advantage of by someone out to make an easy $20.

Imagine the Good Samaritan telling the dying man by the roadside, “I’ll save your life if you pay me six months wages after you recover.” The kindness and generosity of the Good Samaritan was rewarded by knowing he had been instrumental in saving a person’s life. That’s what it means to lay up treasures in heaven where nothing can diminish it.  

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He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive.

~2 Corinthians 9:11 Good News Bible

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Treasure Hunting - Part 2

Glen and Mary built a life around his profession. While he worked, she did  everything to be supportive. She made sure the children looked good and performed well. She managed homework and school projects to ensure good grades to keep their father happy. Glen seldom made it home before the children's bedtime. Weekends meant relaxation to refuel himself for work. 

          This seems like an exaggerated account of family life and pushing self-absorption to the extreme, but this was the self-deception that pervaded both Mary and Glen's lives. Glen justified his life style: "I work long hours to ensure Mary and the children of a good life." "Someday we will have time to be together," was Mary's rationalization.

          Change involves examination of attitudes and values. Be honest about your commitments. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, therein resides the desires of your heart." You pass on to your children your treasures regardless of their eternal value. It may be late, but you can change. Be sure God occupies first place in your life so you can pass that on.