GREED-FREE HEART (2)

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain”– 1 Timothy 6:6

One major proof of maturity in Godliness is the possession of a GREED-FREE HEART: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim.6: 6-7). Greed is the inordinate, insatiable desire to accumulate money, power, and security to such as a degree that it supersedes moral and spiritual integrity. The line between greed and aspiration – between the bottomless desire for more and the human drive to succeed – are easily blurred. Yet, scripture does not underestimate the Power of Money as a way of tracking debt, obligation, allegiance, and opportunity.

Money represents ability. The more money we have, the more opportunities are available to us, the more powerful we can become, the higher status we can purchase, and the more problems we can resolve – in the natural: “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything” (Ecc.10:19). Besides Fear, Power is another driving motive for Greed. The intoxicating nature of Power makes Greed such an alluring disposition of the heart. And money is one key representation of power.

Here are ten significant characteristics of Greed:

Greed is not from God: “For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1Jh.2:16). Although physical blessings come from God, greed is ungodly and should be guarded against!

Greed contradicts Cheerfulness: “So let each one give as he purposes in his HEART, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor. 9:7). Rich and poor alike can be generous or greedy; but greedy people are rarely cheerful givers!

Greed is insatiable: “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecc.5:10). Greed promises satisfaction, but is never satisfied; always wanting “More”! Greed’s goals are unquantifiable and endlessly evasive. The more we dip into greed to fuel aspiration, the less satisfying are the goals to which we aspire.  .

Unfettered greed is a slavemaster: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mt.6:24). Greed can become a slavemaster that promises freedom but only delivers further servitude.

Greed erodes trust in God’s faithfulness: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb.13:5). Jesus gives the ultimate antithesis to greed: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Mt. 6:34).

Greed reduces all security to financial security: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage” (Pro.11:28). Those who assume that their financial health or security will translate into other forms of security – physical, relational, communal, and spiritual – are woefully misguided. 

Greed tempts one to trade integrity for cash: “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase” (Pro. 13:11). Money  gained by selling integrity often doesn’t last, as it ultimately erodes reputation; yields regret and ruin!

Greed ruins Individuals and families: “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live” (Pro. 15:27). The example we set for our children regarding greed and money can last for generations – positively or negatively.

Greed devalues a good reputation: “A good name is to be chose rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver or gold” (Pro. 22:1). One’s reputation among colleagues, peers, and family, can have a lasting, lifelong impact on earning potential.

Greed leads to ruin and destruction: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (v.10). It's our choice: Contentment of Godliness or Ruin of Greed!