Greed. What do we need to say about greed? It nearly bankrupted the entire fiscal system worldwide, causes harm to people in its pursuit, and destroys trust. So why then do we constantly fight against the idea that ‘greed is good’ inside ourselves?
There are a few things that come to mind:
- Marketing. We are surrounded by the persuasive rhetoric that we ‘need’ something else.
- Value. Many people base their value on what they have not who they are.
- Fallen Nature. There is something inside us that wants more.
Solomon, the king of ancient Israel writes in the book of Ecclesiastes
“All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8)
We just can’t get enough. We buy more and more in an attempt to fill the void in our lives. We must change our perspective to change our actions.
One saying to remember is the adage “He who dies with the most toys, still dies.” We must remember that despite how hard we work for something or who we cheat to get something, we will not take it with us into eternity.
So how do I survive greed in my life?
Focus on Christ and becoming more like Him (Fruit of the Spirit). You can actively take a stand against greed in your life:
- Keep the Peace (Phil 4:6-7). Ask for peace from God. Sow peace with others (James 3:18).
- Have Patience (2 Tim 4:2). Live patience as an example to others (James 5:10-11).
- Remember the Price (1 Cor 6:11). Christ paid the highest price for us. Greed costs us personally.
As we focus instead on Peace, Patience, and the Price Jesus paid for us, we can survive the effects of greed on our lives.
What are you focusing on?
Blessings,
JB