What A Difference!

Because life has so many varied situations there are many laws on the books designed to govern whatever society in which one might be living. Then there are penalties for breaking those laws because not everyone is willing to obey. Paul even noted that arm of the government as having a God sanctioned role. ( Romans 13:3-5) Still some will try to get away with whatever they can in order to get WHAT THEY WANT.

In light of that, imagine what a different world this would be if at least the one sin of GREED were eliminated? It is a tendency we dare not allow to live within us. It is GREED that leads people to steal from others. GREED has brought about the killing of reputations and the killing of lives. GREED is behind the crime of human trafficking; the selling of people into servitude, slavery, and prostitution. GREED causes other's needs to be ignored while self gets what it wants. There are many different sins of which under closer scrutiny we may find GREED is at the core! It is a sin that needs to be recognized for what it really is!

Paul stated. . .
"(5) Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and COVETOUSNESS [greedy desire], WHICH IS IDOLATRY. (6) On account of these the wrath of God is coming." ( Colossians 3:5-6 ESV)

Yes, GREED IS IDOLATRY. There is a sense in which personal desires can become the driving force in one's life and ultimately become their god! It may be that some who commit this sin are actually involved in self-worship because everything is for themselves. It's all about them and not others or God. This desire must be put to death or the wrath of God will be faced!
GREED is alive in this world's arena. It has also been alive in the spiritual arena as well. (i.e. 2 Peter 2:3) Rather than training in GREED ( 2 Peter 2:14) we need to continue to train ourselves in GODLINESS. ( 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Titus 2:12)

There is some truth to the idea you cannot legislate morality. As Paul noted COVETOUSNESS or GREED (among the other sins) needs to be put to death, there needs to be the acknowledgment that this sin is a serious one to conquer. What is needed is a change in heart; a heart focusing on what GOD DESIRES above all else. Continually seeking a right heart with God puts us on the path away from God's wrath. May He truly remain our God!

Have a great day AGREED WITH GOD TO LIVE FOR GODLINESS!
Carl

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