Money and Greed

Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

"Friend, " He said to him, "who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" He then told them, "Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one's life is not in the abundance of possessions." Luke 12:13-15

Interesting! That a man would try and use Jesus for his own ends. Apparently the rabbis settled such disputes. The man, obviously the younger brother, sought Jesus to arbitrate on his behalf. However, Jesus recognised the motivation was greed.

Do we, today, name greed as it is, or do we coat it with white wash and call it ambition, justice, fairness? Do we go deep enough to recognise our motives are lusts for wealth, or do we justify their presence?

Jesus has no problem going to the heart of the matter and calling greed for what it was. He goes on to tell a parable about greed to get the point home, I wonder if it did or if another person heard the lesson and was saved from a fatal mistake?

We need to be open to the Holy Spirit so that He can point out our motives to us. We also need to be willing to repent and turn around. We are constantly being challenged by our sin when others see our hypocrisy. Don't be deaf, don't shout down the challenger to justify your sin, stay free. Amen!