Think God...Not Greed!

I ran across this story the other day. It is as follows... "We told you earlier about riot police being called in at an Orlando mall to disperse an unruly crowd that was waiting for the release of new Nike shoes last night. Now CNBC's Darren Rovell tweets that Foot Locker has called off seven such events.

That includes one in Maryland, where WJLA reports a release of Nike Foamposite Galaxy sneakers was called off at The Mall at Prince George's in Hyattsville this morning.

The TV station says a huge crowd had been waiting for hours, and that at one point a large group rushed the locked mall doors but was unable to enter. The Washington Post says there was one arrest.

Why all the frenzy about these shoes? Greed is an obvious factor, since the shoes sell for $220 from Nike but can command much hire prices when re-sold online.

WJLA and others have estimated the markups can be be for more than $2,000, but Rovell had a stunning tweet about the furor for this model. Rovell pointed out that on eBay there's a $70,000 bid for one pair." -USA Today, February 24, 2012, Tom Weir

The online dictionary, www.thefreedictionary.com, defines greed as: An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

What does the Bible have to say about greed? As it turns out, PLENTY..!

1 Timothy 6:10; Proverbs 28:25; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:9; Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:16; Matthew 6:24; James 4:3; Proverbs 11:24; 2 Peter 2:14; Proverbs 15:27; Matthew 13:44; Jeremiah 6:13; Psalm 10:3; Matthew 6:33; John 12:6; Proverbs 1:12-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Proverbs 20:21; Mark 7:20-23; Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 11:6; Colossians 3:5; Proverbs 1:1-33; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Exodus 20:11-18; John 3:16.

Greed whispers in our ear that we would be happier if we had more money, more things, and more power (cf. Proverbs 27:20 AMP; Ecclesiastes 1:8 AMP). It creates discontent and a growing desire to do whatever it takes to gain position and possessions. But the Bible commands us to trust in God, not in”uncertain riches” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Paul told Timothy that the way to overcome greed is to flee from it and to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). And those “who are rich in this present age, who have more than is needed, should be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

Surprisingly, the Bible says a great deal about money. It speaks about earning and spending, saving and giving. It even tells about wasting our money! The Bible puts to rest two commonly held misconceptions about money. First, that money provides ultimate security (Proverbs 23:4-5; Luke 12:15); and that God condemns the rich for being rich.

Yes, God certainly hates false gain, wrong motives for getting rich, and lack of compassionate generosity among the wealthy. But some of the most godly people in the Bible were rich (Job, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, Barnabas, Philemon, Lydia). The Bible also teaches that both the rich and poor must fight similar battles, such as envy of others, and greed for more.

However, let me share one important point with you. It is an all too common mistake that many make. Don't think religion is just a way to get rich!:

1. As did some in Timothy's day - 1 Timothy 6:5
2. As some do today (cf. "The Gospel Of Health And Wealth")

Religion (godliness) is of value only when joined with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). Godliness with contentment is the great gain! And what is that..? It is that which constitutes true wealth (1 Timothy 6:6); a consistent, authentic walk with God; and is combined with satisfaction and peace within (regardless of finances).

Remember..the key is contentment! It is a quality that is learned (cf. Philippians 4:11-12). How is it learned? It is learned by having:

1) A proper perspective on life - 1 Timothy 6:7
2) An understanding of the true physical necessities of life - 1 Timothy 6:8

Matthew 6:24 tells us that, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

What you desire most you don't own, but it owns you. Ask yourself this, "Does God own you or does money (possessions) own you?" God always gives and gives freely to us. On the other hand, have you ever known a greedy, wealthy person who isn't trying to get more and more and is struggling?

Since we are given everything from God we own nothing. This is a difficult concept for many to understand. Everything we have, and will have belongs to God! We cannot earn or gain anything more for ourselves. This is precisely why the key to true wealth is: godliness with contentment!

In closing, when we love Jesus more than money and possessions, we find that He is the greatest treasure of our lives. We discover that knowing Him is the true source of genuine satisfaction.

According to Hebrews 13:5, keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Prayer:

Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Athene