Day 2 - Freedom From Greed

Do you know someone greedy? Maybe a name just popped into your mind. That’s usually how greed works. We often think it’s someone else’s problem and not our own. But if you were honest with yourself, could you find any greed in your heart?

Greed can be defined as “a selfish and excessive desire for more.” Greed often begins with comparison. It grows when we compare our lives or our possessions to those of others.

God knows how harmful greed can be to us. He even commands us not to covet. The dangerous thing about greed is that it always wants more from you. It always demands that you work harder and sacrifice more extremely. Earthly treasures ultimately insist that you die to obtain them.

But the Gospel offers us a better way. The pursuit of Jesus isn’t like the pursuit of earthly treasure that will crush us. Rather, Jesus himself died to purchase us so that we might live!

So how can we experience the freedom from greed that Jesus purchased for us? Here are three practical next steps to take to fight greed in our lives.

• Remember the goal. Don’t live your life to collect material possessions on Earth. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven.
• Practice gratitude. Recognize all the things God has blessed you with and develop a thankful heart.
• Be generous. Nothing fights greed like generosity. Give joyfully to those in need, knowing that God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others.

Remember that this is ultimately a heart issue. It isn’t about what you have in your bank account or how big your house is. It’s about where your true treasure lies and what you value in your heart.

Reflection
What are you grateful for today? Practice gratitude by making a list of five things you're thankful for. After that, pray and ask God to help you store up your treasures in Heaven rather than on Earth.