But He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.”
As children grow, they often have an insatiable appetite. We use phrases like, “They will eat you out of house and home,” or “They are bottomless pits” to communicate how kids always seem to be hungry, no matter what they eat. These things are often said jokingly, but an insatiable appetite in other areas of life is no laughing matter. Our constant ambition for bigger and better things and a desire to be wealthy and comfortable can seem innocent enough but reveals an insatiable appetite that is dangerous to our souls. Greed is pervasive; it starts with discontentment in our heart and leads us to see people as competitors or means to an end.
When the temptation of that insatiable appetite arises, we can remind ourselves that we have all we need in Christ. When that covetous thought crosses our minds, we can hold onto the truth of Philippians 4:19 that says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Only through Him is our appetite satisfied, so we can be free to live in contentment. Only through Him can we be freed from the constant pursuit of bigger and better and know what it is to be truly satisfied.
- When have you desired the “bigger and better” thing? How have you pursued this?
- How should God providing all we need shape our desires?
- Pray and repent for greed in your life, asking God to satisfy your hunger in Him.
