GREED is rooted in two lies: whatever we want is good, and things can make you happy. When we fear scarcity and believe we deserve what we want, we can justify just about anything; this is the essence of “the lust of the esh and the pride of life.”
We must break free from Greed and focus on Generosity (meeting others needs with our resources) and Peace (living resolutely—focused, not conicted). Generosity concentrates on people who has less than we do rather than things we don't have. Peace includes freedom from bitterness when we feel slighted. It also includes a natural, deep joy and contentment.
Series: Spiritual Disciplines: Seven
Speaker: John Pryor
Notes:
Greed is the most universal form of idolatry. It is not an action on a list but a fear-based system of false beliefs and toxic attitudes that steal our joy, kill what God plants in us, and destroy our lives. Romans 12:1-2, John 10:10, Luke 12:13-24,
Break free of Greed. We must use worldly resources to benefit others and to create eternal relationships. We must make strategic choices with the unchangeable realities of the future in mind. Luke 16:1-15, Hebrews 13:5, James 4:1-17, 1 John 2:15-17
Focus on Generosity. Meeting others' needs with our resources yields more joy than selfishness. We must not be proud or trust our money. We must trust God, use our money to do good, be rich in good works and generous to those in need. 1Timothy 6:17-19
Focus on Peace. This is more than just a lack of conflict. We experience peace (shalom) when we live resolutely—focused, not conflicted, no matter what we face.
1 Timothy 6:6-8, Colossians 3:1-17
Lord, I will…