No Time for Greed!

An Australian bank was forced to shut down its entire network of ATM cash machines after a technical glitch meant they started issuing "free" money. Long lines began to form at machines as word spread that unrestricted withdrawals could be made, with reports of people walking off with thousands of dollars. The bank said the problem arose following overnight maintenance on the system. Police warned that customers who failed to return the money could face criminal charges.

"People should realize that, even though an ATM has dispensed cash, they are not entitled to that money and are committing a criminal offense if they keep it," said a police spokesperson. "They should also realize that ATM locations are covered extensively by surveillance".

Sometimes we think we can get away with it, and may even convince ourselves that bad is good, but we should remember that God says, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:32). -thanks to Sky News, 3/1/11

Jesus warned people many times about the pitfalls of greed. I suppose you could say that we have always been susceptible to greed. It is sad, but unfortunately true. The news is rife with stories about greed and how it ruined the lives of those who succumbed to it. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Greed doesn't occur only when money is involved, either. It can creep into your life in many different forms such as: commercialism, materialism, possessiveness; gluttonousness; self-centeredness; egotism; etc. Do any of these sound familiar to you? As you can probably figure out by this short list, greed basically revolves around someone thinking only about himself.

What have you done to help someone other than yourself lately? (Proverbs 29:7) Jesus wanted us to help, care for; and love one another. (John 13:34) It is a simple message, really. If we are truly thinking about the needs of others, greed wouldn't have any way to weave its way into our thoughts or minds. (1 John 2:15)

If you haven't tried it lately; help someone who is in need. I guarantee you that there is no shortage of people who could use a helping hand. And the feeling you will get afterwards is priceless. That much I can promise you!

Let us pray...

Show us, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
in Thy clemency,
Thine unspeakable mercy,
that Thou mayest both cleanse us from all our sins,
and deliver us from the punishments which they have deserved.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who livest and reignest
world without end.
Amen.

Have a blessed day,

~Gabriella~