Guard Against Greed

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Guard Against Greed
Do you struggle with greed or covetousness? The dictionary defines greed as “an excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially concerning material wealth.” Today's passage reminds us to examine how we manage our time, talent, and treasure. When we hoard our time, possessions, or wealth instead of using them to help others, we are living contrary to the Gospel. God doesn’t want to restrict us from possessions in this world; however, He does demand that our lives and possessions ultimately lead us closer to Him. 
Friends, while the Bible clearly warns us against greed and covetousness, it also encourages frugality and thriftiness. After feeding the multitudes, Jesus instructed His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Even though Jesus had the power to create anything, He lived frugally and without luxury. John Wesley had a great philosophy regarding money: “Make all you can; keep all you can; and give all you can.” Sadly, most people tend to get all they can, spend all they can, borrow all they can, and then give meagerly to the Lord. We must strive to be cheerful givers, remembering that only what’s done for the Kingdom will last forever. As martyr Jim Elliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."
Onward and Upward+
Fr. Greg

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