Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
• Why do some people believe greed is good?
• How do you battle temptations to give in to greed?
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:5
Everyone knows the old saying, “You can’t take it with you.” But many people, including some who call themselves Christians, give it their best shot. They spend their lives chasing after money and expensive possessions. For them, having more than other people is a reason to be happy and proud.
Unfortunately, greedy people who don’t repent of their sins will find out too late that their time on earth was completely wasted. God makes it clear that there are two choices in this world: We can pursue treasures on earth or we can pursue treasures in heaven. We can serve God or we can serve money (see Matthew 6:19-24).
Though the right choice seems obvious, it’s not always an easy decision to make. Greed has a strong pull, and it seems harmless at first. After all, what’s wrong with wanting something nice?
But it’s a slippery slope. If we give in to greed once, it makes it easier to give in to it again. Before we know it, we’re pursuing earthly treasures full-time and becoming a slave to money. God leaves the choice to us. But we must choose wisely, because our decision will have a big impact on our lives—in this world and the next.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for providing us with everything we need. Help us see things from an eternal perspective so that we may be content and not give in to greed. Amen.