The Sin of Greed

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thou shalt not covet.” —Exodus 20:17

COVETOUSNESS is one of the sinister elements of selfishness, and is closely related to jealousy. It is one of the forces which is helping to wreck the “present evil world.” Individuals and nations today are launching out to seize that which belongs to others. The principle of fair competition in business, both locally and internationally, is given little consideration, and the rising tide of greed sweeps justice and moral ethics aside in a mad rush to attain power and amass wealth.

A Christian should hold himself far aloof from this, and will do so if his heart is filled with, and controlled by, love. Love will prompt one to share with another, and could not, in the very nature of things, be jealous of that which others possess. To be emptied of self and filled with the spirit of love is the best safeguard against the sin of covetousness. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.”—Rom. 13:10

LUKE 12:13-34

“BEWARE of covetousness”—this was Jesus’ advice to the young man who asked the Master to persuade his brother to divide his inheritance with him. Jesus added that a “man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” This is a difficult lesson for many to learn, even Christians. True happiness cannot be found simply in the possession of “things,” no matter how luxurious, or comfortable, or convenient they may be. “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” wrote the Apostle Paul, and one whose heart is wholly fixed on the Lord can enjoy the true “riches” of life, whether in the divine providence his lot is to live in a cottage or a palace; and whether materially he is poor or abounding in wealth.—I Tim. 6:6

The parable of the man whose barns became too small to hold the abundance of “things” which his land produced emphasizes the danger of setting one’s affections on material things. Since this man was increasing in goods through the fertility of his land, there is no implication that his wealth was ill gotten. His sin was not unjustly taking advantage of others in order to increase his holdings, but in failing to share with others the abundance with which the Lord had blessed him.

Instead of doing this, he decided that he would pull down his barns and build larger ones so he could make himself wholly secure against any possible future needs. Jesus described the man who did this as a “fool,” or unwise person; for he had scarcely reached this decision when he died, so his accumulation did him no good. “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” is the way Jesus put it. His “soul” was his life, and his life was snuffed out—his soul died.

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God,” said Jesus. With this parable as a background, Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore, … take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for your body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.”—vss. 22,23

Then follows the Master’s reference to God’s care of ravens and lilies in order to impress upon the minds of his disciples that they did not need to fear for their future needs, and thus be like the rich man who pulled down his barns and built larger ones in order to be sure that he would not come to want. It is this that he meant when he said, “Take no thought for your life.” He did not mean that a Christian should not live an orderly, well planned life. A Christian farmer must sow in the spring if he would reap in the fall. The housewife must plan her meals in advance, and the breadwinner of the family must be conscientious in whatever vocation he has chosen. Paul wrote that those who provide not for their own are worse than unbelievers.—I Tim. 5:8

What Jesus did mean was that as Christians we are not to be greedy, and center our affections on the material needs of life. To do this, would mean that we have “little faith.” We are not to be of “doubtful mind” with respect to the Lord’s care. While we are to give reasonable thought to the needs of the present life, we are to seek “first” the kingdom of God, “and all these things shall be added unto you.”—Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31

“Fear not, little flock,” Jesus added, “for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (vs. 32) With confidence based upon God’s promises, our outlook on life can be one of sacrifice, rather than concentrating on gaining wealth. Instead of endeavoring to acquire yet more and more, like the man of the parable, we can “sell” and give “alms.” Thus doing, we will be laying up “treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” And where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.

QUESTIONS

How can we best guard against covetousness?

Why do “things” alone fail to give contentment and joy?

What did Jesus mean when he said, “Take no thought for your life”?

Should Christians make reasonable provisions for the physical needs of life?

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