The Bewares: "Greed"

Today, I want to continue to examine "The Bewares" throughout the New Testament. Remember, the word "beware" means to see with the eyes, to see with the mind, or to perceive or know. Jesus wanted us to be on top of our game spiritually at all times, so he uses the word beware or take heed to keep us from falling in the traps of the enemy. Lets look at another Beware today.

Beware of Covetousness, Greed -Luke 12:15 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. " KJV
Luke 12:15 And he went on to say to them all, "Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be." GNB

Many people today think money and material things equal security. But Jesus warns us of just the opposite. A few years ago, columnist Jim Bishop reported what happened to people who won the state lottery:

• Rosa Grayson of Washington won $400 a week for life. She hides in her apartment today. She claims that everyone tries to put the touch on her. "People are so mean," she said. "I hope you win the lottery and see what happens to you."
• When the McGugarts of New York won he Irish Sweepstakes, they were happy. Pop was a steamfitter. Johnny, twenty-six, loaded crates on docks. Tim was going to night school. Pop split the million with his sons They all said the money wouldn't change their plans. One year later, the boys weren't speaking to Pop, or to each other. Johnny was chasing expensive race horses; Tim was chasing and catching expensive girls. Mom accused Pop of hiding his poke from her. Within two years, all of them were in court for nonpayment of income taxes. "It's the Devil's own money, " Mom said. Both boys were studying hard at becoming alcholocs.

All of the above stories had characters who hoped and prayed for sudden wealth. All had their prayers answered. All their lives were wrecked by a dollar sign. How sad.

Notice, Jesus says in Luke 12:15, "Beware and guard yourselves form every form of greed." How do we do that...guard ourselves? Just a few suggestions.

1. Be content with what God gives you. Be a good steward and put Him first with your money and possessions.
2. Live your life like it all belongs to Him. He is entrusting you with it for a short while.
3. Remember, one day you will be held accountable to God for all that He has given you. So use it wisely and use it for His glory.
4. Don't hoard, give to others. Share with others what God has given you.

In a 1988 issue of Time magazine, there was an insightful article about the introduction of the videocassette recorder. Time reported that while at first Sony kept its Beta technolog mostly to itself, JVC, the Japanese inventor of the VHS format shared its secret with a raft of other firms. As a result, the market was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the VHS machines being produced.

Even in a cut-throat business, sharing has its rewards. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.