Sunday, August 5, 2007

Greed Is A Question Of Faith

Why would someone who already has a lot of money would still steal? Why would someone who is already powerful would still assert even to a powerless one? Why would somebody who is already famous would still seek attention? Is it because money, or power, or fame are evil as some would reason out? Does it mean that if there is no more money, power, or fame, their attitude will be gone? I do not think so. Our Lord does not think so either.
What guarantees life are not our possessions. Even if we gain the whole world, life may still be wanting. That is why He advices us to fight all kinds of greed. Greed is in reality an attitude towards something or someone. When we put our life on that something or someone, we are a victim of greed.
Greed can be understood in another perspective. It is noticeable and very probable that one is greedy because of lack of belief in life after death. We tend to grab what we can, when we can and however we can and hold on to it hard under greed. If we see life as only for this earth, then we have a reason to be behaving that way. But if we believe in life after death, everything could be let go. Everything will only serve for the purpose of the next life. We do not rest, eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we will die, but we live through all the world for after death, there is a next life. We are not afraid not to have or lose everything in the world, for the ultimate possession is in the next life. If the Lord will allow me, there is one greed that we must have; that is greed for God. Greed for Good. Greed for Love. But the statements are contradictory. Greed is an evil attitude. Its reverse is Contentment. Contentment is full trust in God. Contentment is respect for others. Contentment is being ready to lose the world to gain one's soul.
Therefore, if one believes in God, greed has no place in his heart, rather, love!

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