How can we guard against greed and betrayal in our own lives? Matthew 26:14 – A Stark Moment of Decision “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests”. A literal reading shows Judas, after years of walking with Jesus, deliberately choosing profit over loyalty. His first step toward betrayal began with a quiet, calculated visit prompted by greed. The Seeds That Grew into Judas’s Betrayal • Love of money: “He was a thief… he used to take from what was put into it” (John 12:6). • Discontent with Christ’s mission: Jesus’ humble, suffering path clashed with Judas’s worldly hopes. • Secret sin left unchecked: small thefts prepared the heart for a larger sell-out. • Satanic foothold: “Then Satan entered Judas” (Luke 22:3). The devil needs only an open door. Signals That Greed Is Creeping In • Constant talk or worry about possessions (Luke 12:15). • Rationalizing minor dishonest gains. • Envy when others prosper (Proverbs 14:30). • Compromising time with God to chase income. • Growing isolation and secrecy around finances. • Diminishing gratitude and giving. Biblical Antidotes to Greed • Contentment: “Keep your lives free from the love of money… ‘Never will I leave you’” (Hebrews 13:5). • Gratitude: thank God daily for every provision. • Generosity: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). • Accountability: “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Share financial practices with mature believers. • Watchfulness and prayer: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). • Spiritual resistance: “Submit yourselves… Resist the devil, and he will flee” (James 4:7). • Word saturation: memorize and meditate on passages like 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Philippians 4:11-13. Daily Habits That Build a Betrayal-Proof Life • Begin the day in Scripture; let truth set priorities. • Ask the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Practically budget—in prayer, not panic. • Give first, spend second; percentage giving fights greed. • Keep all money handling transparent with spouse or trusted friend. • Serve those in need; compassion dislodges covetousness. • Fast periodically to remind the flesh it is not in charge. Strengthening Our Loyalty to Christ and Others • Cultivate love for Christ above all: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Speak truth early; betrayal grows in silence. • Practice quick repentance when convicted of selfishness. • Build relationships on trust and open communication, leaving no room for secret bargains. • Remember the cost: Judas gained thirty pieces of silver and lost eternal fellowship. Summary: Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Life Greed begins in small, often hidden places, but it can end in tragic betrayal. By pursuing contentment, practicing generosity, staying accountable, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we close the doors Judas left open. “Be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8) and choose loyalty over lucre every single day. |
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