Guarding Against Greed

Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’”
Luke 12:13-20

Regardless of our age, money is a prominent issue. Teenagers are told that they must be seen in the best jackets, jeans, and trendy shoes, Young adults and college students are bombarded by the need to live to the hilt. Young married couples are enticed to accumulate the best of everything in order to keep up with their friends and neighbors.

These materialistic ideas are planted in our minds as the way to happiness and contentment. However, these covetous attitudes more closely define greed, not biblical well-being. We will never be completely satisfied with the world’s value system. There will always be something else we need.

The best investment we can make is to learn God’s principles of finances, making decisions based on God’s Word. We must become acquainted with God’s economic plan if we are to resist the impulses of our culture.

It has been said,
“Money will buy:
A bed but not sleep;
Books but not brains;
Food but not an appetite;
A house but not a home;
Medicine but not health;
Luxuries but not culture;
Amusement but not happiness;
A crucifix but not a Savior.”