The Seven Deadly Sins – Greed

Greed, the underestimated vice,
how embedded in our society.
We think since we’re not Scrooge,
that we’ve escaped this monstrosity.
But we’re swimming in a culture,
where money focus is the norm.
It seems wise, prudent, and virtuous,
but it’s deceit takes on many forms.
One of the many faces of greed,
masks in always mentioning dollars.
How often do you bring up money?
are saving and spending what you holler?
Or maybe your emotions get tense,
and your anger starts to rise.
When money and finances come up,
your reaction makes others surprised.
Do your things pass through your hands,
do you give your best to others?
Or is it “my stuff, I earned it, it’s mine”,
if there are leftovers, maybe I’ll bother.
Are you stingy with what you give,
it’s cheap, it’s free, then here you go.
We’ll enjoy the nice steak and wine,
but for guests we’ll go two steps below.
Do you struggle with a lack of mercy?
Is your heart hardened to those in need?
The homeless person on the street,
or the church member who’s weak-kneed?
It’s their fault; they’ve made their mess,
we cannot always bail everyone out.
If your initial reaction is merciless
it may be Greed is lurking about.
Every decision reduced down to money,
What’s it cost? How much will this require?
No consideration for other categories,
for human flourishing greater and higher.
Do you ever leave an intentional place,
for acts of extravagance here and there?
Or do you fret, and fear losing control,
so you never just let down your hair?
When we never have fun and just spend,
we proclaim God is stingy and tight.
Our security, being controlled by money,
brings us into a prison that lacks delight.
Greed can take many forms,
in spending but very often in saving.
The love of money brings burdens,
anxieties, relational pain and strainings.
The solution is an open hand,
not getting, keeping, and fearing.
Knowing riches in heaven await us,
Jesus will reward us at his appearing.
It is God’s good pleasure and love,
to give you a kingdom forever.
Where every good thing will be yours,
every physical and spiritual pleasure.
Nothing will stay with you,
as your body lies silent in the grave.
You cannot keep what’s inevitably lost.
and you are lost if by money you’re saved.
Giving, sharing, over fear of losing,
it is better to give than to receive.
What are you building your life on?
only one foundation will never deceive.
However financially careful,
your treasures are no guarantee.
To give you comfort and pleasure
it is a false sense of security.
But riches stored up in heaven,
are safe, solid, and secure.
Jesus set us free from money,
our only refuge is also the cure.
HE is our treasure, HE is our gain,
HE is what we keep, guard, and hold tight.
And when Jesus is your treasure,
Greed will slowly be less of a fight.
When free at last from Greed’s sad grasp,
here’s where true happiness starts.
He will help you if you ask him,
Lord help us with our greedy hearts!