Greed – Not Just a Holiday Issue

During this time of year, as stores and companies offer up major deals on almost every single item you can think of, people are easily caught up in the thought and emotion of greed. Based on the teachings of the Bible, greed is considered one of seven deadly sins in Christianity. The Bible clearly teaches that a person (could be any one of us) who covets what their neighbor has is sinning.

The fact of the matter is that we are all blessed. Perhaps some of us are better off than others, but the fact remains that in Christ we are all still blessed.

If I begin to take my eyes of my blessings and start to focus on someone else’s blessings long enough, I will eventually begin to desire (or lust) for what they have versus simply appreciating what I already have. This is the classic trap that some many fall into when it comes to greed.

Greed’s trap can at times catch us off guard and yet, most often we fully participate in this sinful nature. Here are just a few examples. Notice how it shows up everywhere.

It happens in the stores on Black Friday when people outright fight over insignificant items. It happens in our workplaces when employees willingly go overboard to impress their bosses so they can be promoted, get the bigger office space, get a company car, or simply their own personal parking space. It happens in our schools, when parents teach their children to look down on the less fortunate and their children develop a sense of entitlement. And sadly, we even see it happen in our churches when one pastor attempts to outshine a fellow pastor or when a fellow church member who wants to be noticed is willing to harm others in various ways in order to be front and center on Sundays. Unfortunately, someone somewhere is always wanting more and is never satisfied or content with what he/she has.

Greed has been with us since the creation of man. It has marred everything we know in some fashion or form. Even the Christmas season has been affected to a point that a large percentage of Americans don’t celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. It has been cheapened to a consumer season where “wanting and wishing” for things has become the norm. Meanwhile many ignore it as a time to celebrate the greatest gift the world has been given –our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As followers of Christ, the real question we must ask ourselves is: “Is what we desire to possess really worth what it might cost us?”

For example, is having lots of material possessions worth it? Does it really benefit us to have several cars or houses, or a closet full of clothes, shoes, and purses. Do our kids really need a room full of toys? Is it really worth it to chase after money so hard that you sacrifice your health, your relationships, and maybe even your life itself? We all realize that you can only do so much with so much before the newness wears off.

Is wanting to be noticed so bad worth selling out someone else to get ahead? Is having what you want worth lying on, cheating on, and manipulating others to the point that you destroy all your relationships with others?

At the end of the day, I hope you will agree with me that nothing is worth losing our peace over. Jesus warns us in scripture:

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36 NKJV

A greedy person cannot live a life of peace. Greed simply will not allow them to. In fact, an avaricious individual is usually restless, constantly scheming how to gain more wealth or benefits. It is tragic really.

Now, do not misunderstand me. I am not implying that having a desire for more abundance in different areas of your life is wrong. In fact, Jesus states in John 10:10:

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. NLT

What I am saying though is that it is wrong to allow greed to rule your thoughts and behavior. Friend do not allow the want of more to drive you mad as so many have.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

By seeking Godly counsel, we can avoid allowing ourselves to be overtaken by greed. When we understand that what God has for us is for us and what He has for someone else is for them, we are better able to accept our blessings as is. If God chooses to bless my sister in Christ in ways that allows her to experience greater happiness in various areas of her life, it is my responsibility to rejoice with her, not sit back and covet what she has been given. That is how greed creeps in and takes over and we must guard our hearts against it.

My hope this holiday season is that as a nation we could take a step back, look at what we already have, and just be grateful. Take some time to count your many blessings. Look at what God has given you and praise Him for it. Many of us are not lacking a thing. We have all the basic necessities a person could need. We really do not need more stuff. What we do need is a greater appreciation for the simple things in life. By giving greed no place in our heart and living generously, we can make this world a better place.

May 2021 be a year of contentment and peace for you and your family!

Love & Blessings,

Melody