courtesy http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1005465

 “Then he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’"
Luke 12:15 (NIV)

 Also read Luke 12:13-21; Matthew 6:20-21; Colossians 3:5

Greed is motivated by selfishness and self-centeredness. I also believe that fear is a factor in greed, at least for some. I can be fearful that my needs will not be provided for, so I grasp and cling to my money and possessions as if there were no tomorrow. A person who is greedy is focused only on himself or herself and often is blind to the needs of others. Greed shows lack of trust in God, for a greedy person does not believe God will provide for him. There is never an “enough” measure for the greedy person—no real satisfaction. Note that the farmer in the parable had to tell himself to “eat, drink, and be merry.” This was not genuine joy and satisfaction but rather a forced and faked happiness. Jesus didn’t say we should not have material blessings or that being rich is a bad thing. He just said our focus needs to be on being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

In recent days, as well as other times in my life, God has shown me that I was spending too much money on clothes. I like pretty clothes, I like to dress fashionably, and I enjoy creating outfits. Now, I know there is nothing inherently evil about having pretty clothes. God knows we need to be clothed! However, it is possible to become greedy and self-indulgent in this area. I already have more than I need, so I believe God is leading me to be a better steward of my finances. In praying on this issue, I have come to the conclusion that God wants me to direct these funds I might have spent on clothes beyond my needs into His Kingdom’s work. With this conviction came an immediate opportunity. I have a friend who is working for a non-profit ministry that helps the hungry and evangelizes the lost. She has to raise her own support and she is the sole breadwinner right now in her family. God impressed upon me to contribute monthly to her support. How rewarding it is for me as I listen to my friend’s stories of how she is able to lead people to Christ through her ministry! Knowing I have contributed to this effort reminds me of Matthew 6:20-21 (KJV): “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” God has freed me from greed, I have been able to help someone else, and I don’t even miss having more clothes to crowd into my closets.
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In ministry for 25 years as a vocalist and conference speaker, B. Kay Coulter is now a freelance book editor and the author of Proverbs for Personalities and Victim/Victor: It’s Your Choice and Free to Be. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother and lives in Temple, Texas. Contact at (800)776-6713. Order books at www.writewayeditorial.com or www.xulonpress.com. Also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Where is your treasure?  How have you overcome greed in your life, or is it still a struggle for you?  Leave us a comment.

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