We can’t hide from God any more than Gehazi hid from Elisha. Sadly, greed can infiltrate even our best intentions. We may not even recognize it as “greed,” but it’s one of the ways the evil one tries to take control of us.
Gehazi may have believed he was only making sure his master got what was due him. Why then was deception necessary? Any time we have to “lie” to get something, that something isn’t worth having.
Can you remember a time in your life when your greed got the best of you? I can remember as a young child wanting something my mother said I couldn’t have. Whether it was greed or not, I helped myself to it, stuffed it in my pocket when she wasn’t looking, and enjoyed it once we got home from the store. I was too young to realize I was “shoplifting,” yet I knew enough to keep it hidden.
Such actions have a way of catching up to us. Of course, my mother found out, and I was taken back to the store to give back what had mysteriously found its way into my pocket. That is a lesson I will NEVER forget and for which I am grateful. Gehazi’s consequence was much greater in comparison!
Greed may take the form of wanting more and more stuff, a bigger paycheck, or simply power and authority. God is ready to reward us with an abundance far greater than we could imagine if we rely on him rather than take matters into our own hands. What do you think God would say about greedy or even envious behavior? When are hearts are full of those tendencies, we certainly don’t look like the obedient children of God. Agreed?
We can say, “it’s human nature” to want more. It’s natural to see what others have and compare ourselves to them. Do we stand by and accept that it’s “natural” because that’s what society has bred into us with media and other influences?
When we focus on how we “feel” when we are being greedy for something that is not ours, it’s not a good feeling is it? We tend to start thinking in devious ways about how to achieve or obtain something we want. What should we do instead?
My “go-to” is prayer. When I catch myself feeling desirous of something to the point where it is distracting me from God, I know it’s out of control. Asking God for help to overcome the urge or desire is a good place to start. Celebrate the fact that you recognized the evil one’s attempt to seduce you into something that may have not been the best for you.
Recall the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 7:11, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” There’s the reminder we need. When you are feeling the desire for something, ask for it! God may or may not deliver our every whim, but we can be sure he will give us good gifts.
Let’s pray …
Lord, forgive me when my desires overtake me and distract me from your love. Help me to control my sinful lusts and trust you for the best provisions of all. Thank you that I can ask and you will answer my prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
