Beware of Covetousness

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 (Luke 12:15, KJV)

A man came to Jesus and begged Him to ask his brother to share the inheritance their father probably left and give his share. They were “fighting over property”. He thought Jesus would take his side and sympathize with him. Rather Jesus told him “beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesses”.

The word “covetousness” here means greediness, an excessive and immoderate desire for getting more and more wealth or material things. In this materialistic world in which we live, we must guard our hearts against greed.

We have all probably heard of horror stories of what happened with siblings fighting over property or land. People have sold themselves to Satan to get wealth. Some have abandoned the faith because of material things. As if that is not enough, greed has entered into the Church, and scores of ministries are chasing money and material things.

Wealth or money is good.It is the love of money that is evil. Do not reject money. Reject the greed. Money truly “answereth all things”, but it will be the ruin of many believers and ministers if we do not pay attention to God’s warnings about coveteousness. Guard your heart with all diligence against greed!

MEDITATE

What is the difference between using money rightfully and the love of money? Can we be greedy and not even know it?

APPLY THE WORD

Is money ruining our relationship with the Lord? Let me make it more practical. Are you strangling your relationship with God because of your hectic schedule full of activities to get more money? If you are a minister, is money occupying a place in your ministry that it should not? Beware of covetousness, that is, watch and guard against it!

PRAY

Ask the Father to help you become willing to see if you are greedy or not with all honestly. Ask Him again for the grace to protect your heart from greed.