Greed

My husband is my favorite photographer. He can compose a photograph unlike anyone I’ve ever known.

While this is no where near his best work, it still remains one of my favorite photographs. He snapped this photo of our two cats as they sat at the table, begging for whatever we might be serving for dinner. 

Unfortunately for them, there was nothing to share. We were sitting around the table drinking coffee and chatting.

They sat in these same chairs many times through the years. Waiting. Hoping. Begging. Thinking they might receive their greatest desire. Food.

These two didn’t need any more food than they already had, but they certainly wanted it. That is the definition of greed.

I recall several people in Scripture who also showed greedy tendencies.

The Israelites had been wandering for some time. They were tired of the same food. They begged God for something new. God gave them what they wanted.

Numbers 11:31-34 gives the account. Starting in verse 31 we see God driving “quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day’s walk in any direction.”

The people gathered and gathered. They were greedy.

God burned with anger against Israel and struck them with a severe plague. Their greed and craving food caused great pain and anguish.

David was also found desiring something that didn’t belong to him when he saw Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12 tells this story.

David and Bathsheba have a sexual encounter at David’s bidding. Bathsheba becomes pregnant. David tries to manipulate her husband and eventually must have him killed to cover his sin.

David is then confronted by Nathan about his green and sin. David repents, but the baby Bathsheba delivers dies.

David’s greed caused great pain and anguish in many lives.

Ananias and Sapphira’s story can be found in Acts chapter 5.

The couple sold a piece of land and gave a portion of the profits to the Church. However, they each told Peter that they had given the full amount of the sale.

In their greed, they wanted to look good among their fellow Christians and still make some money.

As a result of this greed, the pair fell down and died.

Ephesians 5:3-5 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

There is to be no hint…of greed! Because it isn’t proper for us. The greed person has no inheritance in God’s kingdom.

These are harsh words, but God knows how this sin can affect our lives. How it can destroy us. So, He simply says to stay away from it.

I’m sure I’m not the only pet owner with a pair of greedy pets. I suppose the next time I find them sitting there I should explain greed to them.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna