GREED

What causes greed? For some people it may be fear. Fear of running out of something. Fear of losing it somehow. Fear of going without. Fear that someone else will have more. Fear there won’t be any more to get.

What does God say about fear? 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Where do you stand on greed? Here are some questions to help figure it out.

1) Can you be bribed? Can someone offer you enough money to do something illegal that you would do it?

2) Do you take a bigger slice of pie leaving the smaller piece for someone else?

3) When you were a child and went out trick or treating with your friends, how did you act when you saw an unsupervised bowl of candy? The sign said “take one”. Did you take one piece? Or did you grab a handful?

4) Walking along the aisles in a grocery store and you see a sign that says “free samples, take one”. What do you do? You are not a child anymore – is your behavior different or the same?

5) Let’s say there is a great sale on a certain product. The price is so good, you just can’t pass it up. Do you buy all of it, leaving none for anyone else?

6) When you go to an “all-you-can-eat” buffet, do you pile your plate high? How many trips will you make to get more – 2, 3, 4? Do you eat until you are so full you can barely move?

7) Do you steam roll thru the crowds on Black Friday to make sure you get the “door buster” item? Did it make you mad when you saw the exact same item on sale for even less later in the year?

8) How do you act during extreme weather events such as hurricanes? Do you run to the store and buy as much water as you can, leaving the shelves empty for others?

How did you do? I think we all can answer yes to at least one of those questions.

We are tempted with greed on a regular basis. Stores tempt us. Manufacturers confront us with sales. “Prices will never be this low again! Buy now!” The greed in us makes us react to those offers. TV commercials play with our greed. They entice us. Seduce us. Make us think we need this item and then we will be better than someone else. It is all a lie.

Even when a store is going out of business, we feel this “need” inside to buy up whatever they have because it is 90% off. Later, we see that we don’t need any of it and we have a yard sale.

Greed can also lead to gluttony. Oh, you wanted to get your money’s worth at the “all-you-can-eat” buffet? If you eat to satisfy hunger and you are full – you have gotten your money’s worth. When you continue eating, you have entered into greed and gluttony. And then you have regrets . . . your tummy hurts and you don’t feel well at all.

Are you consumed with getting more? To the exclusion of all else? Then you are wasting your life and causing problems for yourself. Proverbs 15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

When you are greedy, it runs your life. There is no room for anything else. Relationships suffer and families are broken. At the end of the day, all you will have is your greed and nothing else. Greed is never satisfied. Proverbs 1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

Generosity is better than greed. Proverbs 11:24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.

Greed can be stopped. But you will need God’s help. Start with prayer. Focus on God’s Word. He is willing to speak to those who are willing to listen.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

GENEROUS vs STINGY

Proverbs 22:9
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 22:16
He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Proverbs 31:20
She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

Proverbs 22:22-23
Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; For the LORD will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8
If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.

The Bible has a lot to say about the poor and how they are to be treated. Are you poor? How does it feel to know that God has made provision for you in the Bible? And yet, no matter how poor you may be, there is always someone who has even less than you. How do you feel about those people?

Being poor will mean different things to different people.  Is a homeless person, who lives on the street, poor? Quite possibly he/she is not.  Some people have chosen this way of life. They would rather beg for money and live on the street than do anything that would change their circumstances.  There are many organizations that will help a person get back on their feet.  Job training, food pantry, free medical clinics, etc.  Amazing as it may seem, some people don’t want a job or a home.  They would rather rely on the kindness and generosity of strangers.

How do you help the poor? When you see a homeless person on the street corner with a sign asking for food, what do you do? You may not want to give him/her money because “they will only by alcohol”. Is there something else you can do? What about donating to a local food pantry or soup kitchen or volunteering at a homeless shelter? I know of someone who keeps a “homeless kit” in their car. It is a Ziploc bag with some toiletries and non-perishable snacks. When they see a homeless person, they give it to them. You could also include a tract telling them about Jesus – He is what they actually need!

One afternoon, my husband and I were out running errands. There was a homeless man living under a bridge by the interstate. He was not begging for anything – that was just where he lived. We went and bought him a sandwich and a drink and gave it to him. He had some apples that he couldn’t eat and he gave them to us. A homeless man wanted to bless us! He happened to be a Christian and talked about Jesus and he wanted to make sure that we knew His Savior! We found out that he witnesses to everyone who stops to talk to him and he offers to give them a free Bible. He was giving – not taking! He didn’t complain about his life and he shared what he had. What was his secret? I would have to say it was his faith in Jesus.

Back in biblical times, God had set up a system for the poor. The poor were usually widows and orphans with no family to take care of them.

Deuteronomy 24:19-21
When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.

Even though God has provided for the poor, the poor still need to go and get it. It is not delivered to them. They would still need to work in the fields to get what was left for them. Even Adam and Eve worked in the garden (Genesis 2:15)

Where do you fit in? Are you poor? Is it because of circumstances beyond your control? Do you avail yourself of the services and organizations available to you that can help you get back on your feet? Do you make a cardboard sign and stand on a street corner? Do you take advantage of people to get more? The choice is yours.

The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is not in the Bible. God helps those who call on His name. And God is honored when we bless those who are less fortunate. Choose today to make a difference in someone’s life. Share Jesus with those you come in contact with. Give them the Bread of Life!

Do you know the story of the sheep and the goats? It is in Matthew 25:31-46. Check it out!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

GOOD STEWARD

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

What does it mean to honor God with our possessions? Do we take care of what we have? Do we waste what we are given?

There is a truth that says “if you work for something, you will take care of it.” Think of a teenager when he/she graduates from high school and their parents give them a car. Do you think they will take care of that car the same way that a teen would who worked and saved for many months to buy their own car? Maybe, maybe not. The teen who worked to buy their own car will most likely take good care of it as it would be hard to replace it if they don’t. The other teen may not even think about it – they may feel they will just get another one.

God gives us all that we have. Sometimes it’s a job to work and get a paycheck. Sometimes it’s an unexpected blessing that we didn’t have to work for. Do we treat both the same? Are we more protective and careful of the things we work hard for? Even though God has given us all things and He can give us plenty more, we should not be cavalier with what we have.

God gives to us according to our ability to handle what we are given. If we are not faithful with what we have, He will remove it from us. Do you have plenty? Then much is required. Do you have a little? You still need to be a good steward of it. God sees how we handle what we have been given. And He knows what we will do with future resources.

Are you struggling to pay bills – keep your head “above water”? How did you get to this place? Look back over the way you have handled money. Did you use it wisely? Or were you foolish – buying things that were unnecessary? Most of the time when we have fallen into a money pit, it is because we have caused it ourselves. There are exceptions – employer goes bankrupt, natural disaster destroys your home, etc. But, for most of us, we have caused our own troubles.

Do you truly want to get out of the hole you are in? Then start today! Every time you open your wallet, take a moment to think about what you are buying. Is it really necessary? Could you do with a less expensive version? Take a look at the bills you are paying each month. Do you need the high end cable package? Do you really watch all those channels? There are lots of options today to reduce that expense. Now, that is just one of the bills we pay each month. Take a look at each one and see if there is a less expensive alternative. Decide what are “needs” verses what are “wants”. There is no way our barn can be filled with plenty and our vats overflow if we are throwing money away on unnecessary wants.

Are you worried about what your family and friends will say if you drive a less expensive car, bring your lunch to work or have a “staycation” instead of an expensive vacation? If that is true, then you have identified the problem! It is pride that is causing you to go into debt and stay there.

When we stop pretending that we are something that we are not and use our resources to honor God, we will have a “rich” life. Not “rich” as in lots of money but rich in contentment and enjoying what we have. We all have a lot more than we think we do.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

GOD OWNS IT ALL

Haggai 2:8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

Psalm 50:10-11 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

Why does it all belong to God? Because He made everything. And I mean every. single. thing. See Genesis chapter 1. God started with creating light (Genesis 1:3). Then He created the land and the bodies of water (Genesis 1:9). Next was vegetation (Genesis 1:11), then fish and sea creatures (Genesis 1:20-22). Next was all the animals (genesis 1:24-25). Lastly, God created man (Genesis 1:26) and woman from whom all peoples would come from.

And what did He do with all that He made? He gave it to the man and woman to take care of. They had dominion over everything. They lacked nothing. They were able to enjoy everything . . . except one tree (Genesis 2:16-17). What’s one tree? They had everything else. Why do we want the one thing we can’t have?

All we have to do is watch babies, toddlers and young children at play. The one toy they want, someone else is playing with. The one who has the toy, won’t give it up. The one who wants the toy, won’t give up trying to get it. Neither one is happy. The one who wants the toy is not content with the toys he has. The one who has the toy is not generous with what he has. And so, we have a stand off until mom or dad takes the toy and then no one has it.

How generous are you? You have heard the saying “he would give the shirt off his back.” The meaning behind this saying is that this person is so generous that he will give whatever he has and go without for himself. An example of that in the Bible is found in Mark 12:41-44. The widow gave what she had – it wasn’t much but it was ALL she had. If you have a million dollars and give away $10,000 – you would still have $990,000. But, if all you have is 2 cents and you give it all, leaving nothing for yourself, then who gave more? The one who gave 2 cents. She gave it all – leaving nothing for herself to live on. The one with a million dollars still has plenty left over – it was not a total sacrifice.

God gave you all that you have and He does not ask you to give it all away. But what are you doing with His resources? Do you give any of it to your church, missionaries, local food bank, etc.? If not, why not?

Bottom line: God doesn’t look at the amount you give – He looks at the heart that is giving it. Do you give willingly or grudgingly or not at all? It does make a difference and it matters to God.

2Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Did you catch it? Money isn’t evil. But the love of money is. What is your relationship with money? Is it in your thoughts continually on how to get more? When you get more, then what? Are you still thinking on how to get even more?

Money is necessary in our day and time. We need it to pay for housing, food, clothes, utilities, insurance, etc. Back in the good old days, they were able to barter with each other – exchange one thing or service for another. That won’t work in today’s grocery stores, mortgage companies or department stores. We need money to live.

But there are those who want money, no matter the cost. If we were to visit a prison and talk to the thieves, burglars and embezzlers, I wonder if they would say it was worth it. I can’t imagine they would. After all, they are in prison and unable to use any of what they have stolen. But what about those that haven’t been caught? They may have fooled themselves into believing that it is worth it as they are enjoying their ill gotten gains. But will it be worth it when they stand before God?

The root of evil starts out small. Maybe when you were a child you stole a pack of gum from the candy store. Did you feel guilty? Did the guilt eat at you until you confessed? Or did you rejoice that you did not get caught? Your thievery was a success! And now you want to try to get bigger and better stuff. The root starts to grow. It seems easier to steal than to work for the money. You see what someone else has and you want it, so you steal it. You lie to yourself saying that they have lots of money. Or, they have insurance to cover it, so it’s no loss to them. Lies start creeping in and soon we have convinced ourselves that we are not hurting anyone. Really? No one? We have traded our soul for things that will perish. You have heard “the one with the most toys wins.” God has something to say about that.

1Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
1Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

When we die, we leave it all here (1Timothy 6:7). All we have is our soul. Unless we sold it to the devil because of our love for money. It’s true we can’t take it with us, but we can send it ahead.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So, what lies do we tell ourselves? At work, do we take little things here and there (pens, pads, paper)? Do we think “I haven’t had a raise in years – this is owed to me!” The lies start out small. Typically, a job is 8 hours a day and there is usually a lunch break somewhere in the middle. Do you work all the hours – all 8 of them? Do you steal a few minutes here, an hour there, for personal business? Your employer may allow this – especially when business is slow and that is a wonderful benefit. But for those that don’t allow it, this becomes theft to the employer. You are stealing their time.

The root can then continue to grow and then you're skimming cash off the top. Who’s gonna know? God! We can do nothing behind His back. Skimming cash can lead to embezzling the employer’s funds. Many have gone to jail for this very crime. You see, it’s not just a sin – it is also a crime.

Contentment is the answer. When we are content with what we have, we won’t be looking for ways to score riches.

Look around you – what do you have? A place to live? Even if it is only sleeping on a friend’s couch - it is still shelter. Do you have food? Even if it is only ramen noodles – it is food. Do you have transportation? Even if you don’t own a car, there are other ways to get around – bus, taxi, a friend. Do you have clothing? Even if they are not designer jeans or the latest fashion – they still cover your body.

God’s word says that He will provide and He does. If you have a place to sleep, food to eat and clothes to wear, you have been provided for. God does not promise luxury homes, expensive cars, designer clothes or gourmet meals. He gives us what we need. How we use what He provides will determine what we end up with. If we squander what He has given us, it is our fault if we go without.

What have you done with the things God has provided? Did you use the resources wisely? If so, then you most likely have what you need. When we waste what we are given, it creates a need in us to want more. And then the root starts growing.

So, instead of complaining about things you don’t have, give thanks to God for the things you do have. Focus on all that has been provided. Be grateful for the little things. If we are faithful with a little, we can then be trusted with more.

Luke 16:10-12 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

The secret to enjoying life? Be grateful, thankful and content with what you have.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

CONTENTMENT

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

“I wish I could win the lottery – that would solve everything!” Would it? Or does it just raise the level of what you want? I have read stories of lottery winners that have squandered all their money. It didn’t solve anything. But it did create a whole new set of problems. Now some may say “that’s okay – I would rather have those problems than the ones I have.” Really? Without even knowing what that could mean? Why do we think that money is the answer? Because Ecclesiastes 10:19 says so! Unfortunately, we misread what is being said. Money is needed to buy food – solves that problem. Money is needed when we want to go out and have some fun with our friends – solves that problem too. However, it doesn’t solve everything. Solomon had all the money in the world and yet he still wasn’t happy.

What will make us happy? Contentment. If we are not happy with what we have, we will never be happy with anything else. Contentment is the key to happiness.

“I would be content if I could just have a bigger house.” I don’t think so. A bigger house may give you more room but it also creates a want to fill it with more things.

When you are sad or unhappy, how do you find comfort? Do you run to the Lord? Or do you run to people, food or things? You have heard of retail therapy. We have a bad day so we go shopping. There is something about buying something new that brightens our spirit. But why does it? It is just a thing. Once we get home, the feeling passes and we are back to where we started. Now we need to go shopping again. Retail therapy does not last long. We have to keep doing it. We spend money we shouldn’t on things we don’t need. Our house gets full but our hearts don’t. Only God can give us the kind of comfort that lasts and He doesn’t use things to do it.

When you are feeling down, pray. God can lift your spirit. When you are feeling sad, pray. God can put a smile on your face that doesn’t cost any money. Are you unhappy? God can fill your heart with joy. God is the answer to everything – not money.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

When we are not content with what we have, it can lead us into sin. (the 10th commandment). Wanting what our neighbor has is an age old problem. Keeping up with the Jones’! Who are the Jones’? And what do they have that is so wonderful we all want it? Now we have entertained another sin – jealousy. We don’t like it when someone else has something that we don’t have. Along with that is envy. When we are not content it opens up the door to sin and more sin.

But what do we do about it? Well, the answer is prayer. Pray that God will give you more? No! Pray that God will change your heart so that you can be content with what you have. Talk to the Lord. Tell Him why you are not content. Do you think others look down on you because you don’t drive an expensive car? Does it hurt your pride? Oh boy. Now we have another sin to deal with.

Covetousness, jealousy, envy and pride. All because we are not content with what we have.

“How do I change things? I created a lifestyle I can’t afford so that I can look good.” Ahhh . . . so, it’s not that God didn’t provide but that your eyes were bigger than your paycheck. Changes will need to be made. Pray that God will help you get rid of the pride issue. Pride is what leads you into debt. Envy and jealousy keep you there. If we can get rid of pride, jealousy and envy will follow. Then our hearts can be content.

Change won’t be easy but it will be worth it. Think of it! No longer caring what others have. Just enjoying your own life. Not worrying about when the bills are due – because there won’t be any. Living beneath your means gives you room to breathe. The bills are paid on time and there is money left over. You would have enough. Contentment. Wouldn’t that be a great feeling?

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.

TAXES

Romans 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Taxes! Don’t we hate that word?! There is an old saying: “There are only 2 sure things in life – death & taxes!” People have been taxed for thousands of years. We pay taxes for our government. We may not like those who govern us – after all we didn’t vote for them! But, someone did. A lot of someones. We put the people in power that make the laws concerning our taxes. And God’s Word says that we are to pay our taxes to whom they are due.

Okay, okay, I’ll pay my taxes. But I am going to pay as little as possible! As long as we are honest, there is no problem with that. Do we lie and cheat on our taxes just so that we don’t have to pay them? That brings us to the 8th commandment (Exodus 20:15). When we lie and cheat on our taxes, we are stealing what is owed to the government.

But the taxes aren’t fair! What is fair? Things that are fair for you may not be fair to anyone else. And vice versa. Not only that, but nowhere in the Bible does it say that life is fair.

So what can we do about it? Pray!

1Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
1Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

When elections come around, we pray that the right people will be elected. People that will make good decisions and godly choices. People that will use God’s wisdom. If those people don’t get elected, then we pray that God will touch the hearts of those elected. That God will show Himself to them and that they will respond to His voice. No matter who runs the government, they all need prayer. We must remember that God is in control.

God makes it clear that we are to submit to our government.

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

1Peter 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

1Peter 2: 15-16 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
1Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

God puts people in power and He takes them out. Those in power are there for a reason. Sometimes He uses a ruler to punish the people of that nation – a consequence of their sin. As you read the Old Testament you can see how the people behaved under their kings. A bad king can lead his nation to do bad things. But the people still have a choice! God will use other nations to discipline the bad ones. Bottom line is that God is in control.

When we are honest in filing our taxes and paying them we honor God. Remember, God provides and gives us the means to pay our taxes. (Even Jesus paid taxes. Matthew 17:24-27) God has provided for us and given us enough. Are we telling Him that He is lacking in what He provides? Or is it the way we handle what we are given?

I know one of the problems with paying taxes is that we have no control over what the government does with our money. Some of it is used to help the poor and low income families. That’s a good thing! But some of it is also used for war. Not a good thing! Some of it is used to provide healthcare for the elderly and low income families. A good thing! But some is also used to provide funding for organizations that perform abortions. A very bad thing! So how do we reconcile this? We don’t. We have no control over these things but God does.

Prayer is the only way to have a say in what happens to our taxes once it is paid. God will use it according to His will. Sometimes it will be a blessing. When laws change and we get a bigger tax refund, we rejoice. But laws can also change that take a bigger chunk out of our paycheck. There is no tax law that everyone will consider fair. People will always complain that they pay too much while others pay too little.

But who gave you the money to begin with? If God has provided the money and if God is in control of the governments, shouldn’t we trust Him to do whatever needs to be done?

Taxes are necessary to run our government and keep our nation free. It comes at a cost. You have heard the saying “no such thing as a free lunch.” Well, freedom costs money. (It also costs lives, but that is another story.) We have much to enjoy and be thankful for in this country. Someone has to pay the tab. And those in government that control how the “tab” gets paid need our prayers. We can’t control the government but God can (and does!). Every time we start to complain about our taxes, let’s lift up our leaders in prayer instead. Prayer changes things!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.