The idolatry of greed! (22/6/2023)
Ephesians 5:5 "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."
Paul mentions several things that should not even be associated with those who call on God’s name. With firm certainty, he specifically mentions immorality, impurity and greed as hindrances to God’s kingdom. No one who loves and practices them has a place in God’s kingdom. Paul says we can be sure of that! Let’s not be deceived. It is that clear.
Idolatry is love and worship of anything else apart from God Almighty to Whom all praise, worship, glory and honour is due. Greed is the amassing of things only for oneself. It uses very ungodly methods to achieve this objective, including cheating, stealing, oppression,diversion or even murder to acquire things for oneself. In greed, money and things are loved and worshipped more than God. And that’s why it is described as idolatry.
So many are silently driven by greed in the way they make wealth. Some use their positions and might to displace the weak and vulnerable. Workers cheat their employers because of greed, as do professionals throw ethics away. Some use ministry as a means to financial and material gain. This explains the manipulations and extortions on vulnerable people seeking spiritual help.
Whichever way certain actions may be explained, if greed is the underlying motive, that’s idolatry. Jesus warned against all forms of greed. Let’s heed it.
Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
1 Thessalonians 2:5 "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness."
Shalom children of God.