May 18, 2022 –
It is easy to see how The Ten Commandments can be thought of as God’s way to limit us, punish us, or upset us. Further, people can look at the Commandments as fun depressors, taking the joy out of life.
Take, for example, “You shall not steal.” — don’t be greedy. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary on my desk describes greed as “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed.”
We find the source of greed for the Believer in Paul’s letter to Timothy. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10, HCSB)
A person with an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or prestige programs themselves for a life of unhappiness. And greed prevents a right relationship with God.
Once greed has been identified, claim God’s promise that He will help you overcome this obsession for desiring what is not yours. One of the Believer’s most effective tools to overcome greed (love money) is to flee from it and to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11, HCSB)
An example of greed is when you are obsessed with getting more and more money. A selfish or excessive desire for more than we need or deserve, especially for money, wealth, food, or other possessions. His greed was his undoing. What drove them was their ambition, their greed for power.
As we learn to thank God for what we have and freely share it with others, we stop trying to fill the spiritual vacuum in our hearts with things. And when we love Jesus more than money and possessions, we find He is the greatest treasure in our lives.