Today, we’re diving into a topic that can affect anyone: greed. As we explore this topic, I want to start with a question: Is money evil? The answer is no. Money itself is not evil. We see in scripture that Jesus provided money to pay taxes, and a widow was honored for giving from the small amount she had. Money is a valuable part of life, and Proverbs teaches us to be wise with it, to take care of it, and to plan for the future. So, if money isn’t evil, what is? The answer is the love of money. Greed is the unhealthy desire for more, it’s the mindset that what we have is never enough. It’s the covetousness that drives us to accumulate more at any cost. Proverbs 15:27 warns,
Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth gifts shall live.
Greed brings trouble, affecting not just ourselves but our families as well. It can push us to make decisions that go against God. Instead, God wants us to be content with what we have. As Paul writes in,
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
True gain comes from living a godly life and being content with what we have. We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out. We should focus on living righteously and being content with what God has blessed us with. Those driven by greed fall into temptation and harmful desires that lead to ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil, leading people away from God and causing many sorrows.
Greed is dangerous and always brings trouble and sorrow. It’s essential to view money correctly and not to let it control us. Yes, we should work hard and save, but we should not become obsessed with accumulating wealth. True gain is found in godliness with contentment.
Article by Pastor Rod Holler, Jr.