Proverbs 15:27 (KJV)
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Greed is a selfish or excessive desire for more than is needed or deserved, especially for money, wealth, or other possessions. Greed is an unconquered and selfish quest to get more, irrespective of who gets hurt. The Bible clearly denounces greed, identifying it as a malevolent force that followers should shun. The Proverb condemns lustful desire to be rich, which leads to compromising godliness and wisdom. Greed is antithetical to the Christian way of life, which emphasizes the pursuit of holiness alongside a sense of fulfillment. Covetousness and the quest for wealth are snares that lead to downfall and devastation, as the affection for money serves as the foundation for various forms of wrongdoing. The Bible provides numerous admonitions against succumbing to greed and yearning for material wealth. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” When we are never satisfied with what we have per time, nothing is ever enough; we always want more. In other words, discontentment is what usually drives people into greed.
Greed is dangerous and destructive, and it has unpleasant consequences and has ruined so many lives. The truth is, there is no destiny for the greedy and no future for the selfish. 1 Timothy 6:9 says, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” Many have had their chances of greatness dashed due to eagerness to make fast gains. They do all manner of things to receive gifts. Some tell a lie, falsify accounts, and change documents. Achan lost his life on the altar of greed (Joshua 7:1-26). Judas Iscariot deflated his destiny on the frequency of greed. No wonder he died like a mad dog and lost his place in time and eternity. As believers, we should understand that godly contentment remains the antidote to covetousness and greed. The pursuit of financial success often leads to temptations that can harm our family. However, those who are satisfied with their income and uphold ethical standards protect and enhance the well-being of their families. The desire for wealth can compromise business ethics, disregarding legal regulations, neglecting financial prudence, overworking, falling for investment scams, and mistreating employees.
Beloved, greed is the foundation for destruction. Never allow the spirit of greed in your life because the end is always destructive. Be very careful so that you do not become a victim of grave consequences of such acts of covetousness and greed like Gehazi. When you place your confidence in wealth or are consumed by an insatiable desire for more, you fail to give God the glory and worship He deserves. If you must have a future on earth and an eternity with God, you must embrace CONTENTMENT. Refuse to be controlled by greed and the love of money. If you have ruined your life because of the wild greed for material acquisition, retrace your steps and prioritize pursuing the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Ask God daily for the grace to defeat the spirit of greed constantly. Serve God, not waste your time trying to become rich. Live in total obedience to God by being content with what you have instead of bowing to the devil. Godliness with contentment is a significant gain. Thank God for what you have so that unbelievers will see the light and glorify our Father in Heaven. You have Christ, and that is all you need. Your heart’s desire should be to store up riches in Heaven and not worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Remember, whatever is not yours that enters your hands has come to reduce what is yours.
O Lord, deliver me from greed and baptize me with the spirit of contentment in Jesus’ Name.