Greed

That word has always defined for me what Wall Street traders display or the leaders of nations aim for in the quest for power.  It's that strange force that seems to move a person from giving into getting.  But over the years, I've watched its acceptance and even its promotion become more and more pronounced in our culture.  "Money, money, money!" the song goes!  

Oh, we say we don't want to be greedy, but when "push comes to shove," our culture does emphasize the "shove!"  And I am not immune to its charms.  I realize I have far more opportunities to be greedy than I'd care to admit.  

From the simple, "I'm craving the last pink animal cookie in the bag, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you from eating it" to the more insidious, "I hunger for influence and prestige so people notice and pay attention to me" -- it's sway can permeate my thoughts.  If we are honest with ourselves,  greed affects all of us, even the most generous person is prone to the lure it dangles right before our noses.

This morning, my quiet time devotions in the book of Colossians, chapter three, in the Bible led me to the real danger in greed.  I've read this letter from Paul to the church at Colossae numerous times, but somehow I've glossed over this topic.  Is it because I thought I was somehow not a participant?  Maybe I just didn't think it was that significant an issue in my life.  

Whatever the case, the words in one simple sentence in the passage I was contemplating really caught me off guard...

"Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world." (Col. 3:5b NLT)

I abruptly stopped, as if I'd never read these words before!  "Idolater?  What's that mean?  Certainly not in my precious pink cookies, right?!"  Yet the clarification of that word describing someone who worships the "things of this world" brought this into focus for me, and the thought entered my mind...

"Possessions are an empty promise."  The world's system assures us that greed is good - that in its pursuit, we will always and completely be satisfied.  No... whatever the possession is: money, power, influence, or yes, even baked treats - all are unfulfilling both in promise and practice.

 Today, it may be a good exercise to search out: "Who or what in my life am I truly worshiping?"  I know with God's help and our sincere question put before Him, He will stay His anger at this sin (vs. 6) and guide us to get rid of it.  "In this new life [of ours in Jesus], it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free.  Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." (Col. 3:11 NLT)

While greed tempts us constantly, we have the answer in Him!  Lord, help us move from getting into giving today and remind us that You alone satisfy.  You are the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn. 14:6), and we remember You gave Your life for us so we might gain it all in You! Amen and amen!