Greed

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17

Greed is no respecter of persons. It sends people to prison and causes all sorts of inappropriate behavior between fellow human beings.

Most Christians would say they have no trouble with greed or covetousness, but consider your response to the general materialistic attitude that pervades our society today. You may smile at the phrase, “He who dies with the most toys wins,” but consider your own “excess toys.” How often do you use those golf clubs…that backyard swimming pool…that third automobile…that fourth TV set… all those video games?

Beware of ill-gotten gain and the addictive drive for more money, more status, more unearned recognition, more power… and do not try to rationalize the buying of lottery tickets. Proverbs 1:19 (NIV) says, “Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.”

Greed also enters the workplace when you are a “clock-watcher” or take an extra five or ten minutes at break time or use a few office supplies for personal use. As a Christian employee, you are to serve your employer as unto the Lord . . . as if you are working in the Lord’s employ.

PRAY: “God, You are my Source of supply, and I dedicate my life and the fruit of my labor unto You. Amen.”