Beautiful Word Devotional #193

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Luke 12:15

Greed does not help us accomplish the goals of God’s kingdom. Why? Because at its core, greed is about self and satisfying that self. Furthermore, greed for financial bliss keeps us from following God: we can’t serve both God and money.

And, as you’ve heard it said, we can’t take with us whatever we find ourselves being greedy for. Yet the world’s deceitful and alluring voice ignores that fact. And Satan knows that if he can get believers chasing wealth no matter the cost, they will have little positive effect—if any—on God’s kingdom. If Satan convinces us that we’ll be happy only when we reach a certain income level, he’ll keep us on his treadmill longer and longer.

If greed is lurking in your heart, here’s the simple—but not especially easy—antidote: joyful giving. Let go of the wealth you’ve chased. Happily give it away, and you’ll break greed’s hold on you.

Lord, thank you for the mirror of your Word, and please free me from greed, amen.