Greed is a giant that we all must slay. We’re not always aware of the giant’s presence in lives. It’s much easier to peg someone else as greedy than it is to recognize our own tendencies and bents toward accumulating more. For some reason, my greed radar easily detects the vice in others but is prone to malfunction when it comes to myself. I easily justify my wants as needs or devise ways that I’ll use this or that not only for myself but to the benefit others to justify my desires.
I’m sure you can relate to these impulses. All of us do well to be aware of our need to engage in an ongoing battle against greed and covetousness. Our culture tempts us with a barrage of trends and fads of gadgets and gizmos all promising to be better, bigger, faster, newer, shinier, etc., etc. Whatever you need, they got it. And it’s for sale.
This phenomenon is not new. Insatiable desire for more. Never being satisfied. Greed is a thirst that can’t be quenched. This thread of longing for the next thing or wanting more can be traced all the way back to the garden of Eden.
Adam and Eve had it all, but the Tempter led them to believe it wasn’t enough. He tempts us in the same way. You’ll be happy if. You’ll be satisfied when. If only we had this.
This post is not about never buying anything and promoting a form of monasticism. There are things we need. And there are things we simply like to have for our enjoyment or to give to others.
This post is about reminding us of the subtle and crafty giant that can quickly sneak into our lives if left unchecked. How do we slay this giant? We slay the giant Greed with a steady diet of thanksgiving and trust.
When giving final instructions in his first letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul told them to, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The giant Greed is never content and looks at life through a temporal lense. Thanksgiving helps us view our circumstances moving toward contentment with an eternal lense.
One acknowledges God’s rule and benevolent care over life. The other communicates a lack of faith in God’s ability to be enough.
Paul lived his life this way. When writing to the church in Philippi, he told them that he had learned to be content no matter his circumstances. He had lived life with plenty and other times facing great need.
He learned how to be content. He trusted God. He held out his hands before God trusting him to give, rearrange, or remove as he sovereignly saw fit. Paul not only trusted God but gave Him thanks in all circumstances. Trusting hearts are thankful hearts.
As November winds down and the Thanksgiving holiday passes, don’t let this put an end to cultivating a heart of giving thanks in all circumstances. Our greatest tests lie ahead.
Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals offer the allurement of more, newer, better, shinier, etc., maybe we’ll take time to think about Thursday and remember all for which we’re thankful and focus on the Giver, not the gifts.
I’m not against a good deal. It may be that getting items at these times is good stewardship. However, it is appropriate to take a moment to consider if the giant Greed is lurking around the corner.
Browse and shop with caution.
Prepare to do battle.
Hold your hands open before God.
Trust him to give, rearrange, and remove as he sees fit.
Give thanks to Him in all circumstances, for he is good, his love endures forever.
Article By: Gabe Hinerman
Cross Hope 