26/12/2010 - Beware of greed!

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“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” (Proverbs 15:27)

We were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). Our true self is spirit; our body’s only our house. If we get carried away by greed it will automatically take its toll in our body because he who is overcome by ambition opens the doors of his house to all kinds of suffering. But we cannot allow any wicked thing to take hold of our spirit because through it we keep in touch with our Father and once we are strengthened by the Truth, we begin to think and behave victoriously.

The word “bribes” in the verse mentioned above is translated as “gifts” in other versions of the Bible. Those “gifts” which apparently come in handy to those who get them are tools of the enemy to weaken the servants of God and cause them harm. When someone receives something they weren’t expected to receive – something they weren’t entitled to – they’re surely giving way to the enemy. That’s one of God’s laws which will never be revoked. Policemen who are Christians but who, for instance, allow a law offender to get away with crime after accepting a bribe do not understand they’ve just fallen in a trap set up by the devil. The same applies for anyone who is bribed to do something they shouldn’t do. 

People usually say that everybody has a price; however, this should never be said about any of God’s children since they were bought for the highest amount ever paid: Christ’s life offered on the Calvary. The Most High made man to set the example of honesty and righteousness, that’s how we must behave in all circumstances. When a Christian commits adultery he/she is digging their tomb. That’s a sin which stains them forever because they become one body in prostitution and that shame can never be wiped off.

The best message we can get across to many is the following: “Say no! Say no to greed; say no to bribing and to all kinds of sin!” Those who say “yes” to what’s forbidden are implying that God has abandoned them. When that happens, it is the saddest day in their lives because they might never be in communion with Him again. When people depart from God’s presence the devil can cause the worst atrocities which will blemish them forever.

Search your heart to see if “greed” has been part of your life. Turn to the Lord in prayer, if necessary, and ask Him to check you out. Check out the reasons which made you choose your career, your spouse or even the church you’re attending. It’s wrong to decide to attend a church for its beauty or its eloquent pastor or for its members whose life standard is the same as yours. The Lord must be consulted and obeyed before you make any choice!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares