Greed and Happiness: Debunking the Myth that More Is Always Better
I love all things journals. I enjoy different colors: red, blue, green, orange, yellows, lines or no lines, large or small bound or spiral. I like them because I enjoy writing, and different ones inspire different thoughts. That may sound weird to some, but I am sure it does not for others.
I honestly have to watch myself when it comes to journals when I am out shopping because I will purchase some and then order more online.
I know this is not greed for wealth, power, or food.
But this is something that, if I allow it to get out of hand, can lead to hoarding. So, for me, it is a form of greed – I would not steal any. And I have started gifting some –I need to be content with what I have.
I need to use what I have before I purchase any more.
I picked these scriptures because they tie in with greed – especially the greed of money. There are 11 verses, but I will highlight three to make my point today.
Proverbs 1:10-20
Chapter One Verse 10 – My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!
Chapter One Verse 18 – But these people set an ambush for themselves; They are trying to get themselves killed.
Chapter One Verse 19 – Such is the fate of all greedy for money; it robs them of life.
They are always thinking of where their next dollar comes from, never content, and never satisfied with where they are. When they get some, they want more; it is never enough.
I chose these three scriptures because much wisdom is wrapped up in them. I will pull out three points about greed from them.
Turn your back and run when sin tempts, lures, or seduces you.
Sometimes, when faced with adversity, the best course of action might be to turn your back and run. It might seem counterintuitive, but retreating is sometimes the wisest choice. By strategically disengaging, you can regroup, gather your strength, and avoid heartache and trouble.
They end up setting an ambush for themselves:
Sometimes, it backfires while trying to get over on people, and you get hurt.
Robs them of life:
This reflects on the consequences of greed for money, highlighting how it can ultimately lead to losing one’s life, figuratively or physically. Before that happens, we will speak on contentment.
Greed can lead to stealing, lying, paranoia, anxiety, guarded, hoarding, broken relationships, and unfortunately, sometimes even murder.
Greed is an excessive and selfish desire for money, food, sex, power, or things.
For this blog, I will address greed over money.
Judas always comes to mind when I hear the word greed. However, after further reading and meditating, Judas betrayed Jesus not just for the money but because he thought Jesus was not doing what He needed to do. Ultimately, Judas ended up throwing the money away and committing suicide. His story is told in Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:2-6, and Luke 22:48-51
I wanted to find an example where the person or people did it for pure greed until their demise. So let us look at a parable in Matthew 21:33-46.
A landowner rented out his vineyard to some farmers. When it was time to collect his money, he sent his servants; one servant was beaten, one killed, and the other stoned. The landowner decided to send his son, and the farmers, in their crooked thinking, thought that by killing the son, they would somehow end up with the son’s inheritance.
Note to self-*
When people get together, they do not always think things through. It is called groupthink, defined as when a group comes together and comes up with irrational ideas and lacks creativity. They do not want to rock the boat to fit in. This thinking sounded like how the farmers were thinking.
If you think it through – killing someone we love would not make us want to give you anything, especially blessing you with an inheritance. Talk about greed! These farmers were met with an unhappy and unfortunate state.
The world may try and make you believe that more is better by the images you see on television, social media, and movies. The other side of the story is that most are in debt and cannot afford the lifestyle they present to the world.
Therefore, let us discuss contentment.
Contentment in the Bible is an inner peace with God. You know that all is right regardless of your station and that God has your best interest at heart.
Hebrew 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
1 Timothy 6:6-7
says, “But godliness with contentment is significant gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it,”
Luke 12:15:
“And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisted not in the abundance of the things which he possessed.”
These are a few scriptures on contentment that you can meditate on if you are struggling with greed.
Some Things To Do
If you find yourself contemplating the notion that your spirit may be tainted with a touch of greed, fear not! There are several proactive measures you can take to temper the restless yearning for more that may reside within you.
First and foremost,
it is crucial to cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Take time each day to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings that surround you. By focusing on the abundance already present in your life, you can shift your perspective away from an insatiable hunger for material possessions and towards a genuine sense of contentment.
Additionally, practicing generosity can be a powerful antidote to greed. Engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, whether it be by volunteering your time to assist those in need or simply lending a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. By actively giving back to others, you can foster a sense of empathy and connection, effectively counteracting the alluring allure of excessive accumulation.
Another effective strategy
is to adopt a minimalist approach to your possessions. Embrace the concept of “less is more” and declutter your life. By simplifying your material belongings, you not only reduce the temptation for indulgence but also create space for a more meaningful existence focused on experiences and relationships rather than material wealth.
Moreover,
self-reflection is a vital component of addressing greed within oneself. Take a moment to delve into the root causes behind your desire for more. Are there underlying feelings of inadequacy or a need to prove oneself? By understanding the deeper motivations behind your inclinations, you can embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth, gradually liberating yourself from the clutches of greed.
Lastly,
consider embracing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Understand that the universe provides plentiful opportunities for everyone, and that success and prosperity are not finite resources. By embodying this perspective, you can replace the fear of lacking with a genuine belief in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
Remember, overcoming a spirit of greed is an ongoing process that requires patience and self-awareness. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey and celebrate each small victory along the way. With dedication and determination, you can transform your mindset and embrace a more balanced, fulfilling life free from the shackles of greed.
Greed and Happiness: Debunking the Myth that More Is Always Better
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Speak Your Peace –