In this post, we will discuss one of the deadliest sins: greed. This destructive sin has the potential to ruin anyone, regardless of how highly anointed they may be.

Greed is characterised by a selfish, excessive, and insatiable desire for more than what one needs, often manifesting as a relentless pursuit of wealth, possessions, power, or status. It extends beyond basic needs and can lead to harmful consequences. Unlike simple needs, greed is characterised by an endless, often unprincipled pursuit of more.

A greedy individual seeks to accumulate wealth, riches, power, and recognition, often at the expense of others, disregarding moral standards and ethical methods. Despite their efforts, they are never satisfied and continue to look for ways to exploit people and opportunities to fulfil their desires.

Do you see the world as it is today? It has been shaped by greed. African nations have been devastated by greed. Greed has torn apart many families and destroyed many homes. Greed has turned many nations into war zones. Some deadly pandemic which savaged millions was caused by greed. Christianity lost its potential to change the world due to greed. Greed has brought disdain to the pulpit today, especially in the Western world. Greed derailed the church and destroyed peaceful coexistence.

Greed as a cancer:

As I understand it, cancer is not an antibody; rather, it is a body cell that has grown out of control. Greed operates similarly. Every person is capable of feeling greed to some extent, but unless it is countered by God’s word and practised through righteousness and His grace, no one can overcome or prevent greed from developing into harmful behaviours. Unlike Ebola, which can kill instantly, cancer slowly deteriorates a person, gradually draining away their strength and vitality until death is imminent. This is how greed can destroy individuals. It creeps in and eventually turns them into shadowy versions of themselves. When greed enters a Christian’s heart and goes unchecked, it is only a matter of time before they become spiritually lost after death.

Signs of Greed:

There are early signs and late signs of any deadly disease; likewise, there are signs that show greed is brewing and budding in our hearts.

1. The lack of contentment: Discontentment drives many people to desire things that they cannot legitimately obtain. Even when they achieve a certain level of their desires, it is never enough for them. This phenomenon is evident in many African politicians.
2. The Love of Money: This has caused men to do unspeakable things to gather riches and wealth.
3. Stealing: One who steals is just one who is trying to satisfy his greed.
4. Exploitation: Willing to use fraudulent means to cheat and get something from others for personal gain. 

Greedy figures in the bible:

Greed is an old sin. The bible avails us with stories on the deadly nature of the sin of greed.

1. The first greedy being was Satan. He had everything: power, majesty, glory, and beauty crafted. Extremely anointed, but his greed for more power and glory corrupted his heart until he no longer saw God as God and wanted to become God himself. All of creation has not recovered from the avarice of Satan.
   
2. Achan was a biblical figure who fell victim to greed and ultimately faced destruction because of it. He stole and took war booty despite the Lord’s instruction for Israel to destroy everything after battle. His actions had dire consequences, affecting both himself and the nation of Israel.
   
3. King Saul was also a notably greedy figure. Despite having everything handed to him by God as the king of Israel, he was never satisfied. He even took the little things for himself, spiteing the God who had anointed him with oil. This sin led to his downfall and rejection by God. Not only was his lineage denied kingship, but greed also opened the door for even greater abominations, which he did. Ultimately, greed led to his own death and the destruction of his family and others.
   
4. Judas Iscariot is known in the Bible as the man who betrayed Jesus and sold Him into the hands of those who murdered Him. Greed was his ultimate weakness. It is also noted that he was a thief, stealing from the purse used for God’s work. He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His end was horrible, but that is what greed did to him.

What greed does to a man:

1. Greed will lead a man to betray his loved ones, betray his family, betray his conscience, betray his people and betray those who have done them good, and betray their God.
   
2. Greed kills the conscience and hardens it in the wake of insatiable pursuit.
   
3. Greed is a killer of love and can transform individuals into the worst versions of themselves.
4. It brings about a lack of peace, unhappiness, and anxiety.
5. Greed can ruin a believer’s relationship with God.
6. Greedy people make ultimate enemies along the way.
7. After destroying and sucking away every atom of humanity and diluting mercy, pity, and the fear of God, greed will in the end take individuals to eternal damnation in hell.

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” –Luke 12:15

Read: How to overcome the deadly sin of Greed