MORE, MORE, MORE

MORE, MORE, MORE

READ:
Luke 12:13-21

Take heed and beware of
covetousness, for one's life
does not consist in the
abundance of the things he
possesses.  -Luke 12:15

Some people love to shop.  They have a perpetual desire to buy, buy, buy.  The craze to find the latest deals is worldwide.  There are huge shopping malls in China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and around the world.  A rise in store purchases and online buying show that buying is a global phenomenon.

Shopping can be fun.  Certainly, there is nothing wrong with trying to find a real deal and to enjoy the things God has given to us.  But when we become preoccupied with obtaining material goods, we lose focus.

Jesus challenged His listeners with these words:  "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).  He went on to tell a parable about a man "who lays up treasure for himself," but is not concerned about his relationship with God (v.21).

How can we learn to be content with what we have and not be consumed with amassing more?  Here are some ways:  View material goods as given by God to be used wisely (Matthew 25:14-30).  Work hard to earn and save money (Proverbs 6:6-11).  Give to the Lord's work and those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 19:17).  And always remember to be thankful and to enjoy what God gives (1 Timothy 6:17). - Dennis Fisher

Lord, our hearts often run after "stuff."  Teach
us not to be obsessed with collecting more and
more material goods.  May we instead learn
what it means to be "rich" toward You.
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To be rich in God is far better
than to be rich in goods.

INSIGHT
Covetousness (v.15), or greed, is the inordinate desire to have more.  It springs from both discontentment with what one has and self-centeredness.  It is the only heart attitude that is specifically prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17).  It is one of the specific sins Paul says to avoid (Ephesians 5:3).  He called it idolatry (Colossians 3:5).  He warned that it is "a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith" (1 Timothy 6:10).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace