Greed is the focal point of the discussion for this week. As human beings we have to contend with this tough enemy. Over the years we have seen the destruction caused by a greedy mindset whether in a people, business and politics. The following aspects of greed are highlighted in this article : a definition of greed, biblical perspective on greed, greed in business and politics. Ways to overcome a greedy spirit are also addressed.
So , what is greed? Simply put, greed is nothing but the endless desire to get more and more things in life. Greed is what dictates our actions and thoughts. Greed is also seen as “an insatiable longing especially for wealth, status and power. In other words, it is a desire to possess more than one needs. One author noted that greed is not a financial issue it is a heart issue. Another observed that “Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction. Mahatma Gandhi sums it up nicely with the view that “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed. The level of greed in a person depends on the amount of malice, vanity, desire for power in the heart . Greed though is seen as a sin against God, because mankind was not created to have more than his portion. Additionally, greed destroys friendships, relationships, and is the root cause of bigger mankind troubles, such as corruption.
In today’s modern society the lust for money, power and things has consumed us. We are failing to recognize that we can get whatever we want when we help people get what they want. There is enough in life for all of us. Sadly some persons who have greedy hearts want more than they need. We have a saying, All crave, all lost. The Maker knows when we are greedy for more wealth, material possessions, status in society and power. These desires will destroy us and will open the door for other sins, pushing us farther and farther from serving Him. We are warned to ” Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Scripture also says that “The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” The Bible adds that “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 22:16 says “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” Something that we can relate is vividly expressed in Ecclesiastes 4:8 noting that “A solitary person, completely alone – no children, no family, no friends, – yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, “Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun?”
Greed in politics. Everyone knows it’s there. Jesus himself had some of His toughest words for the political leaders of His day, the Pharisees, who loved to look polished on the outside, yet “inside [were] full of greed and wickedness.”The one thing the person with lots of money and power wants is more money and power. And, the one thing the person with lots of money and power is afraid of is, losing his or her money and power. They will do anything to anyone to avoid such loss. Those in power will manipulate the system to any end in order to maintain and grow their power and financial status.” They will go all out to destroy anyone and anything that they see as a threat. Interests of greed, “business interests,” have hijacked the whole political system. It is obvious that many politicians are abusing their positions and privileges for their own personal gain. Some are so arrogant that they behave like demagogues with big egos, being fed by “Yes” people around them. Politicians would be better served if they surround themselves with critical thinkers who will help to keep their ego and pride in check. “Leadership is a privilege position to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.
So, let’s see how we can overcome greed. Unless we first accept that you have a greedy heart, the problem will be not addressed or you will not genuinely seek ways to overcome it. Controlling your mind is also key to control your greed. It’s your mind that makes you greedy and forces you to perform those actions to fulfill your greed. You also need to understand the difference between a need and a want. A need is something you have to have to survive such as food, shelter, water, clothing, etc. A want is everything else. There is more than enough to go around for everyone, if we all just learn to share. This misunderstanding is what drives most of the world into suffering and scarcity. We are commanded to trust in God and not in temporary riches. Another way to overcome greed is to flee from it and to“pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” . However,The best remedy for greed is generosity, we share with others, be it money, things and power.
The Bible tells us that God dislikes a greedy spirit and through Jesus He taught us some principles and dangers of greed and that “life is not measured by how much you own.” There is nothing wrong with acquiring wealth and material possessions, or seeking office to represent the people. It is when we lust for more of these things that cause us to be become greedy and power hungry. It is said that you can never take anything with you when you die, yet many persons would sell their souls pursing the temporary things of the world and in some case will seek to destroy others to get them. Our lust for material things will choke us or prevent us from being successful in life. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and you do not need to worry about anything. A decision by a business not to properly compensate employees so that your profits will increase and politicians using their position to enrich themselves while the people suffer, are all aspects of greed. The real joy in life is not what we get for ourselves, but what we give to help others. Acts of kindness and compassion for others are critical ingredients for the survival of humanity. No matter how educated, rich and powerful you are, how you treat people ultimately tells everything. Greed is so self-destructive, it can destroy everybody and everything around you.
