The Beast Within Us: Greed

 

One of the beasts within us, greed, is one that stands in the way of our developing a solid and lasting relationship with Christ. When we become so fixated on our “stuff” and need for more, we begin to lose focus of what true satisfaction is. Instead, our focus turns to our wants instead of our needs, and we become driven or obsessed on what we have to have.

Some will think that greed just affects those who have wealth or are well off. Greed is one of those snakes within us that we all have to one degree or another, rich or poor. It’s normal to want things, and especially when we need them. But it’s not okay to want them when as the driving force of our lives Many families have proven that as they now live check to check, or in debt, because of greed.

Greed is the inward force that causes us to think that all we have is ours, instead of all we have we owe. Our focus should be on this; all that we have we owe to God, because it is by His blessing and His grace that we have it. In that vein, we are thus spiritually obliged to give a portion back for Kingdom work in this world we live in. Our greed can prevent us from doing that.

Greed can harm our relationships when it becomes our focus. Our “stuff” and money becomes more important than people and God. It becomes a sin when it replaces either of those. Thus, wealth and financial stability and comfort can be either a blessing or a curse. It’s a blessing when it is of, for, and by God in the mind of one so benefitted, or it is a curse if it is viewed only as a personal accomplishment. Above all, greed is an equal opportunity sin—anyone can be bitten by that snake.

Bottom Line Thought: Do you suffer from the disease of Monster of More? Does it affect your relationship with others and with God? Does it drive you, and what you do? Do you share what you have for Kingdom work?