October 10 | Overcoming Greed

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Lesson 10 | Greed, “It’s My Money and I Can Spend it However I Like”

Money is one of the greatest indicators of what we truly value in life and who our “Master” really is.  If we serve God, money will always be spent in a way that places God’s Kingdom first and glorifies Him, Matthew 6:33.  However, if we love money more than God, than we will spend our money on whatever we want and “our kingdom” will always come first. 

The Biblical definition of “greed” is simply, “spending money your way, rather than God’s way.”  Consequently, if someone wanted to see what we valued most in our lives and who our “Master” really was all they would have to do is look at our bank statement and see where we spend our money. 

For example, monthly house payments show we value shelter, the grocery expenses show we value food, clothes and cosmetics reveal our value for our appearances, the gym membership would show we value health, and the possible charitable donation every now and then would show we care about others in our community. Plus, for those who are married and or have kids most of these expenses (and many more) would reflect a concern for others in our house, meaning we value family. 

However, how much would someone see you give to God?  God commanded us both in the Old and New Testament to give Him our very best every time we receive income.  The Bible calls this a “tithe,” which is 10% of our total income, Malachi 3:10.  Thus, would it be obvious to someone looking at your bank account that you value God by what you give every paycheck to the Lord?

It is very tempting in our “me-centered” generation to think that giving to God is not as important as taking care of our family, paying bills, and living a good life.  However, Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

As a result, we can and should spend money on the good things God has blessed us with on earth, however, God’s Kingdom should always come first.  We must store up for ourselves treasures in heaven by supporting and giving faithfully to God’s work through His church in our community. Therefore, decide today where your treasure is going to be and what Master you are going to serve- God or Money.  I pray that you choose to serve God and live a life of Kingdom generosity!

If you have struggled with greed pray this out loud, “Jesus, take away my heart of greed and give me a heart of generosity.  Help me to give to you what I value most and as I do I ask for your blessings in my life. Amen.”

    

Reflection | Who is the Master of your life- God or Money?

Action | (1) Repent if you have not been faithful in giving your best to God every paycheck, “the tithe.” (2) Be faithful in giving your tithe to the Lord every time you receive income. (3) Lastly, ask God to bless you so that you can be a blessing to others even beyond the tithe in offerings and generous gifts for others, especially concerning the poor and missions, Proverbs 19:17.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, & Proverbs 25:1-5. Click here to read online.