"Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." - Luke 12:13
The desire to acquire stuff is called greed. This is a huge issue in our society, just as it was when Christ walked the earth. Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who had had such a good year that he had run out of places to store his crops and other treasures. He decides to solve this "problem" by building bigger and bigger barns so he could have a place for all his new stuff. With all these new riches, he reassures himself that he can now take it easy and spend the next few years eating, drinking, and merry-making. Doesn't this sound great? It's the American dream! He's got everything he needs and much, much more! Only he didn't realize that God would say, "You fool - didn't you realize that this very night your soul would will be required of you?" This man never gave a thought to the fact that it was God who had blessed him and entrusted him with all this stuff. No, he thought it was his doing. He earned it all by himself, truly a self-made man. Trouble is, this ownership mentality leads to greed and hoarding, and ignoring God. This man was rich in the world's eyes and poor in God's eyes. It led to a pitiful entry into eternal poverty. Remember - the need to need more than you need equals greed. Being rich in your relationship with God is a richer way to live - forever.
Right from the Heart Ministries
I found this entry on my friend Alison's blog, and thought it was so good for me right now. I found myself wanting more yesterday while putting up my Christmas decorations. I was so tired of my stocking hangers. I have never liked them. I wish I had a new tree skirt. I am tired of this one and I bought it to match my old house. It would be so fun to redo my tree and have it all coordinated. I had to catch myself and stop it. I have everything I need and more. It all is just great. Why not use the same decorations as a sort of tradition that the kids will remember so well from their childhood? Tradition is heart-warming. I am so grateful for all that I have been blessed with.
4 comments:
Carrie don't beat yourself up too much. We all feel the way you do sometimes. This was a good reminder.
I'm so impressed that you already have your Christmas decorations out. We are still stuck on Halloween. Seriously!
This was a good reminder for me too.
Love you ~C.
We love our stuff and we love new stuff and it is mostly irrelevent stuff! What a great reminder you gave us for this season. Incidently, Your last years Christmas tree just flashed on my screen saver. I thought it was beautiful. What a coincidence that I saw it right before I clicked on your blog. Merry Christmas season. I love you.
Perfect! Thank you!
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