Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV
Growing up in a small friendly neighborhood where the kid population was exploding, we had friends in most every house, and our home was the neighborhood favorite hangout. We didn’t have the biggest yard – not even room for a swing set, but somehow we found a way to play baseball with a wiffle ball, and we shot hoops in the driveway. The real reason it was “the place” is because my parents were so welcoming. They engaged with all the kids, provided snacks, and made sure everyone was treated kindly. Roger and Ricky, brothers who always provided great entertainment, were sitting on the porch taking a break from the hot sunshine when dad walked out with a big bowl of gleaming, freshly washed cold apples. One apple was considerably bigger than the others. As Dad extended the bowl, Ricky, the youngest brother, quickly grabbed that big red delight and prepared for his first massive bite. Roger, with angry consternation rebuked his little brother: “Ricky! How could you take the biggest apple for yourself? You are so greedy and selfish!”
Before Dad could intervene, Ricky shot back, “LIAR! I am not! YOU are greedy and selfish. You’re just mad because I beat you to it!”
We’ve all witnessed and even been part of situations like that. Some of them are funny, especially from a distance. But some are deadly serious. Accusing someone of being a liar is rough, but saying they are greedy and selfish is even worse. Psychologists explain that dishonesty is often framed as a reaction to a specific moment – such as avoiding conflict, protecting feelings, or escaping punishment, and seems more forgivable. But greed and selfishness point to a deep character flaw.
At the heart, greed is a profound spiritual condition that directly competes with our devotion to God. The Bible calls it idolatry. It replaces our trust in the Creator with trust in things. It is a spiritual blind spot that misdirects our worship, making it incredibly difficult to detect in our own lives. Something else has captured our attention and devotion. It dilutes and distorts our faith in God’s provision. It deceives us into thinking we don’t need God. Greed hardens our hearts. Compassion and generosity wither. Material things give us a sense of security and safety that overshadows our eternal perspective. Greed seems to advance us while it quietly destroys.
- God, I can so easily deceive myself. Show me the truth about the state of my heart. Help me love and trust You most of all.