Little Miss Greedy

Ever had one of those mornings when God hits you in the head with His Truth?! Yeah, that seems to be happening a whole lot more now that I'm married. This morning I came across this question, " In what ways is your life unlike that of the ordinary unbeliever?"

Good question. The first things that came to my mind were external lists of the 'do's & dont's' that I live by: I go to church, I don't party-like-a-rock-star, I have a cross necklace, blah blah blah... However, God wasn't really interested in that puny little list and He kept digging. I began to read Luke 12 (great chapter btw full of practical topics taught by Christ) and this verse stuck out to me: Luke 12:15, " Watch out! Be on your guard against all kings of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

I would dare to say that most Christians believe they have a good grip on the issue of greed. It isn't something that we necessarily struggle with day to day and is really just a problem limited to the people in Hollywood, REAL Housewives, and Wallstreet. At least that's what I would have said, prior to this morning. As I read Luke 12, practically skimming over it, God wouldn't let my eyes move from that verse! I read it once, twice, and then a third time. Several things stood out to me:

1. ..."all kinds of greed."

Greed is defined as excessive or rapacious desire especially for wealth or possessions. Denotes an excessive, extreme desire for something, often more than one's proper share. According to this verse, greed comes in different forms. Maybe it comes as success, the praise of others, someones approval, money, clothes, the perfect home, an obsession with your appearance, popularity, recognition...

For some reason, I normally associate the word 'greed' with the love of money. Since I have never really experienced the excess of money, I always felt that I am 'good-to-go' in this area of my Christian life. However, Jesus pointed out that there are 'all kinds of greed.' As I was reading, the Holy Spirit pointed out the 'kinds of greed' that make many appearances in my life everyday.

2. 'Jesus began speaking FIRST to His disciples...' (Lk 12:1)

While there was a very large group of people gathered around Jesus as He was speaking, His message was FIRST to His disciples. This message of 'greed' wasn't directed to just a large group of hypocritical pharisees but was directed to the disciples as well and the other members of the crowd. Sometimes when I read these parables, I see just how hypocritical I can be, reading these 'stories and commands' as though they are directed to OTHER people and that for some reason I am exempt. But Christ was speaking FIRST to His disciples and as Christians we become HIS disciples. We are called to live a life that is contrary to the sinful nature of the world. Greed is our natural reaction. When the Spirit of the Holy God dwells inside of us, we begin to fight the natural reactions of the flesh and allow His Power to be our satisfaction.

3. 'Watch out! Be on your guard...' (LK 12:15)

This is a constant, daily decision. As long as we live in this world we are direct targets of the ruler of this world. His (Satan's) goal is to blind us to believe that the temporary is permanent. The sad thing is, he doesn't even have to try that hard. Most of us fall for this lie every day in a multitude of ways, at least I know I do. But Jesus commanded us to 'watch out! be on your guard..'

Jesus encourages His disciples and everyone listening in vs 30-31, "For the pagan world runs after all such things [what we will eat or drink], and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

I find those verses to be absolutely beautiful. Jesus says that our Father God isn't oblivious to the needs that we have. He wants to meet our needs and provide for us in amazing ways. The verses point out that the God of the universe cares for and meets the needs of the lilies and the sparrows (Luke 12:24-28). If He cares for such small, seemingly insignificant things, how much more does He care for us who are His children created in His image!? Jesus even goes to say that it is '[Our] Father has been pleased to give [us] the Kingdom.' (vs 32)

Greed for more money, possessions, approval, or recognition will only cause us frustration and leave us with unfullfilled desires. We must daily 'Watch out! Guard ourselves' from this life on dissatisfaction that permeates this world! We have Hope, Joy, and the very Love of Christ living in our lives. This love causes us to be grateful instead of greedy. This daily decision will cause us to stand out in a world of unbelievers. It will be the LIGHT that shines from our lives in this world of darkness and draws others to Him!