“Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” (Lk.12:15). “A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” (Prov.28:25).
Jesus, the Scriptures are filled with warnings about craving, loving, and trusting in money—which is usually what we think about when we hear the word “greed.” But you “upped the ante” when you expanded the warning to include ALL kinds of greed. There are as many “currencies” for which we can be greedy as there are vacuums and holes in our hearts, things for which we want to be known, and enticements the world and devil throw at us. Have mercy, Lord. Help us. Free us.
When you, alone, are “not enough” for me Jesus, I get greedy just to be left alone, with no agendas, expectations, or disappointments from anybody—and no surprises or unplanned for interruptions. Other times I can get greedy to have the flexibility of a yoga master, the firm, smooth, flawless skin of my dermatologist, and the hairline of Matthew McConaughey.
Still other times I daydream about the “gold” of a great memory, the balance of a high-wire artist, and the eyesight and finger dexterity to tie very small flies onto the leader of my fly-fishing line. Jesus, these “envies” can be just as destructive as craving tons of money, a lot of power, endless sex, or celebrity status for something. I am a mess, Jesus, but I am a mess that belongs to you.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, I want you always to be my greatest treasure, deepest satisfaction, and most profound joy. Jesus, to have you is to have everything. To be yours, loved and delighted in by you, is to have everything on Gospel-steroids. So Very Amen.