Luke 12:15
And Jesus said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
Abundance
Well – this seems kind of obvious, doesn’t it? I mean we know that life isn’t made up of what we have, or what we buy, right? We know that it’s not true that the one who dies with the most toys wins. But I wonder, what does Jesus mean about all kinds of greed? How many kinds of greed are there?
There’s the obvious – the greed that centers around valuing ourselves based on what we possess. There’s the greed that says – no matter what “it” is – it belongs to me. There’s the greed that wants power – wants to be in control, maybe to get more possessions, or have more sway over other people. There’s the greed that says life is supposed always go my way. Maybe self-centeredness as greed?
If abundance of possessions is dangerous, what kind of abundance is good? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Now that’s a list of abundant gifts that can meet the greedy parts of our souls and sing a different tune.
Reflection Questions:
- When have you noticed greed coming into your life lately?
- What kind of greed do you find yourself susceptible to?
- What kind of abundance do you think is good – that you want to make space for in your soul?
Prayer: Dear God, Help me Lord to lay down greed, and pick up one of the Fruits of the Spirit you are offering to me today.
In Jesus Name, Amen