HOW DO YOU KNOW?
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)
Everyone talks about the love of money being a bad thing. But how do you know if you love money? You know, in almost 20 years of pastoring, I have heard people walk into my office and share a lot of things. There is almost nothing I haven’t heard. Surprisingly, though, I have never heard anyone walk in and say they are greedy. It’s almost as if, in a greedy culture, it is so easy for this to go under the radar; after all, there is always someone around us who is way greedier. Here’s what I find interesting: greed has nothing to do with your bank account. It’s a disposition; it's an attitude. So, how do you know if you struggle with greed? The verse above makes it clear. Those who are greedy never feel like they have enough. They are never satisfied with their income.
This is a challenging verse for me; by this definition, at times, I am greedy. There have been seasons where I just stare at my bank account, wanting more. Sometimes, I see someone get something new, and self-pity creeps in, and frustration with my income starts to surface. By this definition, I wonder how many people would say yes, I love money, yes, I’m greedy. This sin seems to go under the radar for whatever reason, but far more struggle with it than would admit. Life is short, but our appetite for the world seems unending. Don’t get caught up thinking life is found in the treasures of this world. You were made for another world, so nothing in this world can satisfy you. Money is a good thing; it isn’t evil, but a love for money will start to consume our thoughts and drive our future more than Jesus. One of the ways to combat greed is thankfulness. Most of the time, we are more aware of what we don’t have than what we do. Spend time thinking God for the gifts, and your love for Him will outgrow your love for money. God is always faithful, and you can trust Him with your future. Financial goals are good, but goals without the Spirit can quickly turn into greed. Remember that every good and perfect gift comes from above. It’s all His, so don’t love the blessings more than the Blesser!
APPLICATION:
Whenever you think about money, thank God that He is the One who provides. Keep your eyes on Him.
PRAYER:
Ask God to help you appreciate money but not love it. Ask the Spirit to help you become grateful for what He has blessed you with.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?