July 12, 2004
Overcoming Greed
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. —1 Timothy 6:18
Bible In One Year: Psalms 4-6; Acts 17:16-34
Greed — it has toppled highly paid executives, brought down giant corporations, and cost thousands of workers their jobs and retirement funds. One columnist has written that unrestrained corporate greed is a greater threat than terrorism.
Greed whispers in our ear that we would be happier if we had more money, more things, and more power. 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”(vv.17-18).
Contentment and generosity are the opposite of greed (vv.6-8). 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 heart with things. And 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 source of genuine satisfaction. —David McCasland
Whatever we may need,
So we can then be generous
And not controlled by greed. —Sper
The best remedy for greed is generosity.