Greed

Are you greedy?

Greed is the insatiable desire to have more and demand only the best for yourself. It’s a form of idolatry and leads to destruction. “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9) God doesn’t prohibit us from enjoying the benefits of our own labors. After all, we’re told to work and provide for our needs, but if we become entangled with the things of this world, we can’t fulfill our primary purpose, which is serving God and others.

Until we leave these earthly bodies, we’ll all struggle with fleshly desires. The desire for more, bigger, better divides families and friendships and breeds dishonesty and guilt. It might be evident in our lifestyle choices or the hoarding of wealth. Many Christians will be ashamed to face God and attempt to justify their selfish spending while others suffered. Jesus warned us not to get caught up in the things of this world. He identified greed as the “storing up of temporal treasures.” In Matthew 6, He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” A disciplined lifestyle, regardless of the abundance of income, is a way to overcome greed. Change the goal of your efforts to store up eternal treasures. It’s the only real cure for idolatry. 

Now giving is a way to reduce the struggle of greed. Would you consider supporting Crown or this radio station? If you already do, thank you for your generosity! If not, you can begin giving today at crown.org.