(Further reflections on “Greed”—Sunday 6-Feb-2022)
Jesus had a strong word for greed. He put greed and self-indulgence (cf. Matthew 23:35) in the same sentence with wickedness (cf Luke 11:39). The apostle Paul warned the church to not even associate with someone who claimed to be a fellow believer of Christ and blatantly live in sexual immorality, covetousness, idolatry, drunkenness; deception, and greediness (1 Corinthians 5:11).
We, though being saved and sanctified Christians, are still having a fair share of greed. The problem is, we are usually not aware of it even when our relationship with the Lord and others was/is being affected by it. For example, it is very challenging to fellowship with someone who is overfly self-centered. They are individuals who just want to talk about themselves and never spend time to listen to you. It is quite easy to see and for pastor to smell envy which is a sibling of greed if/when people say something about the third parties (e.g. bosses, friends, colleagues, other Christians). Another trait of a greedy person is that his/her satisfaction is short-lived. They are happy with new shoes/bags for a week/month, then soon find every good reason to have another (online/store) shopping. It runs through most of the things they possess, including relationship. They tend to view that the current relationship (e.g. friendship or marriage) is not satisfying or fulfilling. Instead of thinking about "otherness", they think about how to find new things/people that can bring what they want. Empathy is lacking in folks who have uncontrolled greediness. They tend to view relationship or jobs short-term. They usually like short-cuts and prefer the short-run. Strangely, they tend to like the idea of “no limits,” so motivational speeches/workshops tend to inspire them because they have a grandiose view about themselves and never satisfied with what they have or who they are (in Christ). This is why they are bought into the sensational “no limits” ideology/lifestyle and idolize people who seem to have them. They usual are big fans of someone or something that can blow up their egoistic tendency out of proportion. And manipulation is part of their “profession”, though usually they are not aware of it. Fear, control, and narcissism underline their thoughts/feelings/actions.
Greed is sin. Period. But it is, psychologically speaking, complex. It is intertwined and entangled in our sinful nature, making it even harder to detect or be brought to light or our attention/awareness. This is why we all need to be part of a godly community so that our blind spots can be spotted and graciously corrected and joyfully/willingly be adjusted by God’s word through the life of the church—the Body of Christ of which you are a member. This is why those who have (wrongly) viewed “I-can-be-a-member-of-any-church-I-want” usually do not want and find it hard to commit to a church and make it home especially when their blind spots are exposed.
Greed drains. Greed takes away the life of its possessors (Proverbs 1:19). This is God’s wisdom. It is more precious than gold or silver (or diamond). It is made available to us through the One who is greater than Solomon. We are called to to acquire/gain it by faith. And the only way to do it is to have (a) the fear of the Lord and (b) instant obedience (not delayed one).
May we all be aware of our greedy tendency in every aspect of our life, especially when it entices and invites to harm ourselves (addiction) or others and doing things in secret (ambushing others). So that we do not walk with greed and hold back our feet from running in its pathway, let us hear and heed God’s word daily/weekly. Amen.
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Pastor Lap
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