What Jesus said about ... greed.
Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:25
Oh dear ... how relevant is this to today's society I wonder.
We live in a generation greedy for everything; fun, entertainment, happiness, riches, possessions, good looks, fame, celebrity and everything else besides. They want it all and want it now. It's as if it is a birthright that everyone should have plenty with the minimum of effort.
We measure peoples' success in life by the kind of job they have. The size of their house and where it's located. Their cars, their holidays abroad, and other possession like jewellery, designer clothing and so on and so forth.
Greed is certainly not a new phenomenon. It always existed. But I guess it is more noticeable now with communications being so much more available through TV, radio and social media on the Internet. We see other peoples' haves and we want them also.
We all want to be successful, rich and a celebrity idol loved by everyone - it seems. Very few are just happy with what they've got. And they certainly seem to ignore the most precious treasures they have ... like their health, their families, their real friends ... until it's too late. And greed consumes all. Even their faith.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
NOTE: This post is part of a series of articles entitled "What Jesus said about ..." If you click the label "What Jesus said" at the end of the article you'll be able to access all the articles.
ReplyDeleteHi Victor, I am very happy with what I have and have had in my life, and I would not want more. Riches mean nothing if happiness does not go with it. I have had a lovely marriage and have been to many places in the world. Having the Lord in my life has been wonderful, and I could not imagine life without Him. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAmen Brenda. Not many people are satisfied these days. They always seem to want more.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
...greed has overtaken much of society.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it has, Tom. God bless.
DeleteWe are liking and appreciate this series. Thanks to our raising, greed hasn't been the BIG temptation, but even so. It was still tempting, but not enough to drown us. But with this youdid describe life today WELL:
ReplyDelete.........entertainment, happiness, riches, possessions, good looks, fame, celebrity and everything else besides. They want it all and want it now.
Sending the best of thoughts your way, with love.
The thing is, Jack, our generation was brought up to be thankful for what we have. We did not have much, but it was enough to be content with and we were not short of anything. I never went to bed hungry.
DeleteToday's generation is different - entitled, they believe it will all fall in their lap. Recently they interviewed youngsters on TV. This 19 years old wanted it to be rich, to have a large home,. luxury cars, a yacht and to marry a millionaire. Others were just as starry eyed and expected it all.
God bless you and Sherry and thank you for your kind words.