Free from the Stronghold of Greed

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Greed sets into our lives early. Parents have no idea what they’re teaching their children when they deny basic necessities to others [in their family] so their child can have the latest digital, virtual, holographic game gear or toy.

This is a stronghold of greed that seduces us and our children into thinking that debt is necessary, getting the most stuff is great, and that we can’t live without things. Greed changes our perspective and creates a life of selfishness, hate, gossip, rage, indifference, idolatry, vanity, and more.

Imagine a world where everyone wants everything. A world of people lacking compassion and concern for even parents who first nurtured and cared for them. That’s a world where the stronghold of greed has taken over.

That’s the world of the future without Christ and before he returns to declare that He and God are one — that He died for our sins and that it’s time for evil to be sifted out.

Greed is happening all over the world. This stronghold is raising havoc, causing depression, oppression, extreme poverty, and hopelessness, and this is just the beginning.

We need to put an end to it now if we are to endure to the end and be saved.

5 Biblical tips to overcome greed:

1. Be generous with your time — share whatever you can [particularly with the poor and helpless].

2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!

2. Beware of false prophets. They will tell you anything your itchy ears want to hear in order to gain wealth. They are full of greed, defensiveness, and denial.

2 Corinthians 11:3-5 But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus than the One we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel from the one you [then] received and welcomed; you tolerate [all that] well enough! 5Yet I consider myself as in no way inferior to these [precious] extra-super [false] apostles.

3. Keep yourself free from anything that would take the place of God in your life.

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods)–[from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life]. Amen (so let it be).

4. Reach out to others nearby who are in need. Giving can extend beyond monetary help. It can be a kind word, encouragement, a helping hand, and just being there for someone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].

5. Avoid peer pressure. Don’t keep up with the Jones. They won’t be judging your future [whether or not you have eternal life]. God will. Teach your children this by your good example.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.

Romans 12:2 Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Get your FREE study guide booklet, Biblical Solutions for Social and Cultural Issues in Our World Today, written by Pola Muzyka.

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