“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 (NLT)
THE main problem of greed is that it is not treated as a problem! It comes in many forms and has destroyed many lives. Another problem of greed among us evangelicals is that we have self-righteously labelled it as a sin committed by the unconverted. Let us ask ourselves, “Do we have a problem about greed?” To be blunt about it, are you greedy? If your answer is yes, then this message is for you and me. If your answer is no, then you can stay and take notes for others or you can quietly leave, for greed is not your concern.
The issue of greed is a spiritual problem. Prosperity and poverty reveals the greedy heart! It’s also a universal problem, yet many are totally naive or stubbornly refuse to see its decaying impact at the very core of your being. It all started with a request from the crowd that Jesus mediate a wealth issue among brothers. Instead of isolating the issue, the Lord made it a platform to dissect a big tumor called greed. He gave a general statement that precisely dealt with the issue “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
At this point let us ask ourselves two hard and honest question: (1) Am I enjoying a rich relationship with God right now? (2) Are my riches and wealth contributory factors in my rich relationship with God? Or are they becoming a demanding rival?
The young man in the story follows the creed of greed. Namely: Having good priorities without God; making excellent plans without grace and gratitude; enjoying pleasures without godliness.
Consider the Master's warning about it: “Beware! Guard against...”
Consider the Master's description of those who are controlled by it:
Fool - is anyone who stores up earthly wealth but does not have a rich relationship with God
Consider the Master's deadline: “You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?”
Is there really a cure? If you mean a greed-free life, then there is no cure available. But if by cure you mean wisely living above it, then there is a way out. However, be aware that relapse is always a possibility. Having a rich relationship with Abba begins with: Admitting the greed; asking the heart probing question, “Who is really first in my life?” And then, acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ. He awaits a prayer like this: Lord Jesus, I am a greedy person. Have mercy on me!
Thank you for reading. I write straight from my heart.