As we grow in our knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit begins to build Christ’s nature in us. He teaches us how to care for others. He empowers us to rejoice with the blessings of others, instead of resenting them. He teaches us the joy of giving. Jesus’ way of life is radically different from the world, but it is the right and best way to live. Let’s ask Him deliver us from greed and find the joy of His way of life.

Pastor Dale O’Shields

Human Nature		Several months ago, while shopping with my wife in a large discount store in our area, I had the opportunity to observe human nature at work. As I strolled through the aisles I heard a slight commotion near me. As I looked to my left I noticed a growing group of people congregating around two small booths. As I came closer to the crowd, I realized that a line was forming at these two locations. I sensed a slight bit of tension in the air. There was no pushing or shoving, but the non-verbal message of those in line was, "Don’t get in front of me, I was here first!" It was obvious that they were in line waiting to receive something. By this time I had discovered that the free "something" was food samples, (and may I add, very small samples!). I could not believe the intensity of interest and competitive atmosphere generated by the distribution of sample food morsels! A quick visual review of the people in line assured me that no one was starving. There was no food shortage predicted by the government that would warrant such an interest in free food. Why would such nice, sophisticated and well-fed people act like this? I am not condemning the people in the "free food" line that day. I must confess, for a few minutes I stood in the line myself! Although I never got the food, (unfortunately they ran out of samples) I was reminded of several important truths while I stood there contemplating the situation. Before we investigate these truths let me share one more incident. A number of years ago I traveled to a very poor country to participate in the dedication ceremonies of a medical center in a small village. The journey to this village was equivalent to the best of Marlin Perkin’s "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom" trips! A four-wheel drive vehicle took us back into an area that was reminiscent of a National Geographic special. When there were no more roads, and a river in front of us, we boarded a little boat and crossed over the murky water. On the other side, we hiked a trail leading into the place where the event was to be held. What a sight! A group of Americans in suits and ties tromping through the jungle, surrounded by thirty or more native kids pulling at our coat-tails and chattering in their language. Truly a "Kodak Moment!" After walking several miles, we arrived at our destination. We dedicated the center and preached a gospel message to the villagers, following which we celebrated a meal with the local officials. At the end of the meal we began distributing some small, token gifts we had brought for the people. That’s when trouble erupted. The crowd rushed us, trying to receive the gifts. The atmosphere was frenzied, and a bit scary. Fortunately the team was able to take refuge behind a fenced area and order was restored to the situation. What had triggered the event? Gifts were being given and no one wanted to miss out! Whether in a discount store of an American suburb or a remote village in a third world country, human nature is much the same – greed is present. Greed, even for the most insignificant things, can trigger savage-like behavior in all of us. The fear of missing out on something, of someone getting ahead of us, or getting more of something than we have, can make us miserable. It can also make us mean!
Greedy... Who Me???		Most people do not think of themselves as greedy. Perhaps the following definition will help us better identify this spiritual malignancy. Greed is grasping to get what we want as soon as possible. It becomes evident in a "gratify me and gratify me now" attitude. It goes beyond the material realm of life and affects our relationships and commitments. Surrendering to greed can cost us dearly. It is a dangerous monster that gives birth to a variety of other monsters. We can be spiritually and morally compromised by the subtle pressure of our "wants." Greed can erode a person’s integrity. This kind of self-focused life always results in hurt to ourselves and others, intentionally or unintentionally.
Get A Grip On Greed		As Christian believers, we are commanded by the Lord to get rid of greed. In Colossians 3:5 the Apostle Paul writes, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." In this verse greed is associated with idolatry. When we are controlled by our wants and the intense pursuit of them, we demonstrate a lack of trust in God. Our self-centered desires take the place of God. In simple terms, we worship our wants instead of worshipping our God! The two scenes I shared earlier represent this common human tendency. The sinful heart is selfish. The sinful heart is greedy. The sin-controlled person constantly strives to gain the advantage over others. When we live according to this nature we do not want others to have what we can’t have ourselves. We expend our energy taking, getting and hoarding. It is a sad way to live. How can we deal with this problem? Here are several suggestions that will help us get a grip on greed:
Identify the wants and needs that drive us.		Where are you vulnerable to greed? What do you long for intensely? Is it money, position, comfort or love? Are you driven by these things to the point that you compromise character, morals or integrity to get them? Are you obsessed with the "if only" mentality – "If only I had ____(?)______ I would really be happy?"
Confront jealousy and envy.		Our struggles with jealousy and envy usually reveal our deepest insecurities. Think about this for a moment. If you are jealous of another person’s looks, it is probably because you do not feel very good about your own. If you are jealous of another person’s possessions or position, it is usually because you feel very inadequate about what you have or do in life. Such jealousy and envy can feed greed. Greed is often nothing more than seeking things to satisfy our crippled self-image. It is fruitless because only God can give us the sense of significance that will satisfy.
Discipline our desires.		A great antidote for greed is deferred gratification. To conquer greed we must learn to say "NO" to ourselves. Sometimes the best cure for our "wants" is to make ourselves "wait." It is amazing how our wants change with time. Just waiting for a period of time would help many people avoid rash, impulsive decisions that lead to trouble. This is especially true in the financial area of life. It is true in all areas of life. Greed always presses us for immediate satisfaction. Wisdom allows us to wait.
Trust in God’s care.		Greed and trust in God are antithetical. The person who is motivated by greed has taken their life into their own hands. They have decided to satisfy themselves, because they do not trust that God will satisfy their wants and needs. When we choose to trust God, we choose a pathway of relinquishment. While a trusting life is not a passive life, it is a peaceful life. We can experience a level of contentment and fulfillment that the greed-driven person never knows.
Be a giver.		How do we demonstrate trust in God? Giving is the most practical demonstration and expression of it. When we give of our resources to God and others it is a statement of trust. It is one of the ways we affirm our belief in God’s care for us. When we cheerfully give, the stronghold of greed is attacked and eventually demolished in our lives. As we give we have an opportunity to experience this wonderful truth - God does take care of those who trust Him! Jesus Christ has come to free us from selfish, greedy living. Christ died to deliver us from the taking, getting and hoarding tendency of the sinful nature. As we grow in our knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit works on our grabbing and grasping character. He begins to build Christ’s nature in us. He teaches us how to care for others. He empowers us to rejoice with the blessings of others, instead of resenting them. He teaches us the joy of giving. Jesus’ way of life is radically different from the world, but it is the right and best way to live. Let’s ask Him deliver us from greed and find the joy of His way of life. Father God, free us from the spirit of selfishness that is so much a part of our nature and our world. Demolish the stronghold of greed in us by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to learn how to trust you with the wants and needs of our life. Teach us to give with joyful anticipation of a demonstration of your faithfulness as we do. Show us how to rejoice when others are blessed. Fill us with compassion for all. Let us reflect Your nature in all we think, do and say. In Jesus name, Amen.

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