IS YOUR LIFE CHARACTERIZED BY CONTENTMENT?

1 Timothy 6:7-8
For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content…
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GREED. It exist in many forms – greed for money, power, wealth, possessions. Essential to the concept of greed is the awareness that the needs of others are denied. Greed also often involves using wealth to gain power over others, sometimes by denying others wealth or power.

The Scriptures are filled with examples of greed and its consequences. In one of His parables, He told us about a very greedy man who accumulated so much harvest that instead of sharing them with others, he built a bigger barn to keep them for himself. Then, he would just rest, eat, drink and be merry. Little does he know that by the next day, he will die. So who would benefit from all of those harvest he kept? Surely, it will not be him for he cannot bring them to afterlife.

Greed for money… greed for power. The good life has nothing to do with being wealthy, being in power or having more possessions. In fact, greed is harmful to spiritual well-being. Greed's rewards are anxiety and pressure. Greed sets a person to scheming how to increase what they already have, instead of thanking God for what he has given them. Greed is totally self-serving to the point of denying another person of what is due him so you can stay in power.

Are you content with what you have or do you insist on much more? Is wealth and holding on to power your only reality? We have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. With that promise firmly in our purses, what more could we possibly need or ask for.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You are our only hope. It is my prayer that, in spite of living in the world around us, we all will learn to put You and Your kingdom first so that one day, we will inherit the kingdom which was prepared for us from the foundation of the world. This is my prayer in Jesus name. Amen +

Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!