Bible Devotions for Living

Jesus warns us to be on guard against greed:

¹⁵ He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” (Lk 12:15)

Greed is not just a momentary desire; it is an overwhelming desire to get what is wanted even if it means doing the wrong thing. It drives you to push aside what is right to get what you want and is never satisfied.

Greed defiles you (Mk 7:21), is considered idolatry (Col 3:5), and is grouped with murder, adultery, and blasphemy (Mk 7:21-23) in Scripture. Don’t underestimate greed’s evil or what it can drive you to do:

• Achan’s greed for gain drove him to disobey God and take forbidden things as plunder (Josh 7:1-21)
• Eve’s greed to be like God drove her to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:1-6)
• David’s greed for women drove him to take another man’s wife and kill him (2 Sam 11)
• King Herod’s greed for power drove him to kill threats to his position (Mt 2:16-18)

You can be greedy for money, fame, recognition, acceptance, power, or many other things – be on guard against it since it will cause you to have wrong priorities and life and will shipwreck your faith walk and relationship with the Lord.

Ways to Prevent and Fight Greed

• Be watchful for greed in your life (Lk 12:15) by keeping your eyes open for it and stopping it when it comes.
• Pray for God’s help to stay on the right path and not desire worthless things (Ps 119:35-37).
• Keep your eyes on pure (Mt 6:22-23) and on God (Col 3:1-2) and not on the things of the world.
• Be content with what you have and your circumstances (Heb 13:5; Php 4:11-13).
• Do not associate with greedy people (1 Cor 15:11; 1 Cor 15:33) since bad company will corrupt you (1 Cor 15:33).

Signs of Greed in Yourself

• Forgetting God – Has your pursuit of something caused you to ignore and move away from God? (1 Tim 6:10)
• Divided attention between God and your pursuit – Is there something in your life you are pursuing that is taking time away from God you used to give? (Mt 6:24)
• Fighting over things of the world – Do you get into arguments with others over things like two children arguing over a toy? (Jms 4:1-2; Pv 28:25)
• Dissatisfaction – Are you dissatisfied even though you have plenty? (Ecc 5:10)
• Willingness to do wrong to get what you want – Are you willing to set aside your Christian values and lie, cheat, steal, or take advantage of people to get what you want?  (Jms 5:4)

Think about it:

What did you learn about greed or fighting it?

Name some problems that can come from greed.

What are some signs of greed to look out for?

Are you greedy for anything or discontent with God’s provisions or your life situation? For what? How does it affect your life choices?

How can you prevent and combat greed?

³⁵ Help me stay on the path of Your commands, for I take pleasure in it. ³⁶ Turn my heart to Your decrees and not to material gain. ³⁷ Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless … (Ps 119:35-37)

¹⁵ He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” (Lk 12:15)

Therefore, put to death … greed, which is idolatry. (Col 3:5)

Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb 13:5) (See also Php 4:11-13)

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer who is … greedy … Do not even eat with such a person. (1 Cor 5:11)