1 Timothy 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction

For meditation

No one wants to be called greedy. We will resist such characterization with force equivalent to the surging waters of a breached dam. However, greed is in the bowels of all of us. It is an inheritance from our original parents, Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:6-7)—a disease that has ruined kingdoms and vast empires. It has ruled the hearts of priests, prophets, kings, and commoners for ages. We find such characterization offensive because, like a chameleon, greed takes the form and color of our environment to avoid detection. Nobody is immune to its power. So, how do we uncover this greed and deal with it?

The best antidote to greed is contentment. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).

To be godly is to commit to a life patterned after the heart of God—a life that seeks the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all things (Matthew 6:33)—always ensuring a right standing with Christ Jesus our Lord. It is to dedicate oneself to glorify God in all that one does (1 Cor. 10:31). Contentment is an attitude of trust in God that testifies that He has given you what you need for today and that He will also give you an adequate supply for tomorrow.

A contented heart says, “God is my life therefore, I will not worry about anything. He is my Father who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, and He will better feed and clothe me because I am more valuable than they. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but God does so I will trust Him and work at what He has entrusted to me with all diligence” (Matt. 6:25-32).

We take this character from our indwelling Lord in the person of the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Spirit of God to bear His fruit in us (Gal. 5:22-23), we become more like Jesus. He then sheds His light to expose greed in every form, and its twin, covetousness, hidden in our hearts.

Since we have no power of our own to overcome them, the Holy Spirit will provide the enablement we need when we yield to His control.

Shalom