So, exactly what do I need to do to get into Heaven? The rich young ruler (Luke 18) wanted a “to do” list. Jesus begins by telling him to obey the Ten Commandments, which the young man feels he’s got those boxes checked, but what Jesus says next cuts the man to the core. “Go sell all you have and give it to the poor.” That wasn’t expected. This young CEO was materialistic, he loved his wealth, his things. This was a deal breaker. He couldn’t part with his money and possessions. 

“We live in a material world.” These words resound in Madonna’s song Material Girl. The desire for money, possessions, more, better, best is normal in our society, it’s the American way! It’s easy to allow greed to creep into our lives. The desire for money and things can easily overtake us. At some point we all come to that price tag moment when we must decide who or what is most important. Wealth sat on the throne of the rich young ruler’s life. Jesus asks him for complete devotion. God will settle for nothing less than #1. It’s the answer to the young man’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Put God first! 

Whether you have much or little, greed can take root. You must guard against it by acknowledging it and being continually aware of how money affects you. It affects different people in different ways. Some have no interest in the “gain and attain” rat race; for others, it is their passion and goal. The reality is more money will not make you happier or fulfill your desires. Money will not make you more important. Buying things you don’t need with money you don’t have to impress people you don’t like has no purpose and provides no fulfillment. And money will not make you more secure. Your eternity is what you need to secure. Everything else is just “material.”

Hebrews 13:5 says to be content with what you have. That theme is echoed by the Apostle Paul through his writings, and it is the key to happiness and joy. Cultivate a heart of thankfulness and gratitude for God’s blessings. Live in each moment as a thankful recipient of God’s blessings!

Scriptures – Lk 12:15; Lk 18:18, 21, 24; 1 Ti 6:7-11; Heb 13:5; Ec 5:10-11 

Verse – (Lk 12:15) Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” (He 13:5) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have….

Questions – Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? Explain. What are the attributes of a greedy person? What are the attributes of a generous person? How does greed affect one’s heart? How does generosity affect one’s heart? Are you content with what you have? What “more” do you wish you had? Why? What is your best weapon for keeping greed at bay?

Prayer – Dear Lord, help me to be thankful for what I have, a good steward of my blessings, and generous in every way. Help me to always remember that what I hold is only loaned to me from your vast wealth. Bless me, I pray in Jesus Name, Amen.