YES, this IS another blog on “Christmas Greed.” But please do NOT give up on it because of the subject’s familiarity to you. Why? Because ALL BELIEVERS need to continually remind themselves of this nasty beast called GREED–especially at Christmas when the world elevates materialism to center stage and we are at great risk of being attacked.
But Christmas is not the only reason GREED is an important thread for Christians in December. This is the time of year when we are most apt to dream about and plan for the new year. Having GREED in the right perspective for that important conversation with God is an imperative.
Led by the iconic Dickensian character Ebenezer Scrooge, this is the time of year when GREED takes a walk across center stage. Not far behind is malfeasance on Wall Street. But always lurking backstage in the pantheon of greed is Judas, the man who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of soiled silver.
Greed is defined as the “tense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or power.”
It impacts ALL OF US–even with COVID in the background. Anyone who thinks they are immune to its power, or have overcome its allure, is dancing with delusion. I have not heard a single Christian say: “I’m greedy.” But that does NOT mean greed never pays them a visit. It does. And it will keep showing up. Count on it.
Greed is our chase for attention or wealth or power. But as I mentioned above, greed doesn’t just live at Christmas. It is a daily force that will never leave us.
The antidote to greed is CONTENTMENT and fighting off our impulses and urges and desires.
CONTENTMENT is bringing our wants and needs into alignment to find our identity in Christ. It reconciles what we have with what we want. Contentment in God’s eyes is a deliberate move to rearrange our priorities and change our source of security from what we have to what God promises.
Both greed and contentment are states of the heart. When we choose to be content with the riches of Christ rather than pursue material riches and comfort, our lives will be more in line with God’s plan and purpose for our lives.
There is no contentment in greed. Contentment cannot be found when you heart is filled with greed, because with greed there is never enough of whatever you’re seeking. Just ask Solomon.
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11
I ask God to help me fight off GREED and, instead, be content in HIM and what he has blessed me with in my life. To help me pursue righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you got GREED under control this month? Is it in your thinking for 2021? Are you sure?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7
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