Sin springs from the fallen condition of our hearts and separates people from God. Tragically, our world is broken because of this, and the tendency towards evil touches every part of our lives, including our finances.That’s why we need Jesus, right? Today we’ll focus on envy and greed – both of which are on the list of “Seven Deadly Sins”, drawn up by believers in the 4th Century to describe the worst kinds of human desires.
ENVY:
- Defined as a sense of jealousy and wanting what others have.
- It leads to covetousness, which directly goes against the Ten Commandments.
- Envy is divisive and deteriorates relationships by creating divides based on possessions.
- It results in a lack of inner peace, as affirmed by Proverbs 14:30.
To overcome envy:
- Recognize it as a sin and repent.
- Seek God's forgiveness as guided by 1 John 1:9.
- Embrace the virtues of patience and kindness in 1 Corinthians 13:4.
- Cultivate gratitude and avoid comparisons, remembering God's provisions.
- Continually offer praise to God, inspired by Hebrews 13:15.
GREED:
- It manifests as an insatiable desire, often stemming from comparisons or a hunger for more.
- Greed originates from the love of money and can lead to heinous sins, including theft and murder.
- While many don't see themselves as overtly greedy, it can manifest subtly through feelings of entitlement, hoarding, overspending, cheating, and dishonesty.
Overcoming greed:
- Recognizing and repenting for harboring such feelings.
- Embracing generosity, which allows one to shift the focus from self to others.
- Using resources to aid others, thereby combating the selfishness & greed.
- There is joy and fulfillment in generosity
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that, "God loves a cheerful giver."
- Foster attitudes of gratitude and generosity in your financial and personal life.
On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:
- I've been trying to track down a lost pension from my late husband's former employer for three years; what should I do next?
- As a first-time buyer, what's the difference between a first-time buyers loan and an FHA loan, and which is better for me?
- I inherited gold coins estimated to be worth around $50,000-$60,000; how can I determine their value and decide what to do with them?
- I own multiple homes, including a rental and a large house I live in; at 70 years old, should I downsize, sell the properties, and how should I invest the proceeds?
- How can I make it easier for my successful children, who won't need the money and don't want to live in Arkansas, to handle my property after I pass without giving it away?
- How can I evaluate and choose between a faith-based medical sharing plan and Medicare for my husband and myself, especially as I am on Medicare and he's not?
- How do I find a trustworthy certified senior advisor without them taking a significant percentage of our savings?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
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