What steps can we take to avoid a "heart trained in greed"? The Warning in 2 Peter 2:14 “Having eyes full of adultery that never stop sinning, enticing unstable souls, having hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!” Greed is not a mild character flaw; God calls it a trained, habitual corruption that destroys. Step 1 – Acknowledge Greed as Sin and Idolatry • Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature… and greed, which is idolatry.” • Until greed is treated as outright rebellion against God, we will excuse it rather than repent of it. Step 2 – Guard the Heart with the Word • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” Practical helps: – Begin each day with Scripture, letting God set the day’s values. – Memorize verses that expose greed (Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:24). – Replace covetous thoughts immediately with truth. Step 3 – Pursue Contentment • 1 Timothy 6:6–8: “Godliness with contentment is great gain… having food and clothing, with these we will be content.” Daily habits that build contentment: – Thank God aloud for basic provisions. – Limit exposure to media that stirs envy. – Practice Sabbath rest, declaring that God—not frantic accumulation—sustains you. Step 4 – Cultivate Generosity • Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • 1 Timothy 6:18: “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” Ways to train the heart toward giving: – Set aside a first-portion tithe before any spending. – Look for spontaneous opportunities to bless—meals, rides, small gifts. – Involve the family so generosity becomes normal culture. Step 5 – Live Transparently and Accountably • Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Practical structures: – Share a budget with a trusted believer. – Invite questions about purchases and motives. – Celebrate victories together, confess lapses quickly. Step 6 – Keep an Eternal Perspective • Matthew 6:19–21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Refocusing exercises: – Regularly study passages on eternal reward (Revelation 22:12). – Visit or serve in settings that highlight lasting souls over fading stuff. – Journal about how today’s financial choices affect eternity. Step 7 – Serve, Don’t Hoard • Mark 10:45 shows Christ “did not come to be served, but to serve.” Serving shifts the heart: – Volunteer where no profit is possible. – Use professional skills for kingdom work pro bono. – Remember: every act of service trains the heart opposite to greed. Living It Out Greed trains the heart; so does obedience. By daily submitting to Scripture, choosing contentment, practicing generosity, embracing accountability, fixing eyes on eternity, and pouring ourselves out in service, we retrain our hearts for God’s glory and the good of others. |
    |