Trained in Greed or a Creed?

Trained in Greed or a Creed?

trained in greed or a creed?Are you trained in greed or a creed? One alphabet makes a big difference, doesn’t it? The difference is as big as between day and night or life and death. How do you live your life? Are you becoming an expert in greed or are you training yourself in God’s ways? What are you teaching your children? Greed or a creed?

They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! (2 Peter 2:14b, NRSV) This verse got my attention this morning. How about you? Are you training your heart or the hearts of your children in greed? Were your way to celebrate Christmas centered on Christ or consumerism? You know, people are slaves to whatever masters them (2 Peter 2:19b, NRSV).

Freedom in Christ does not mean we can do whatever we wish. That is the fastest way to lose our freedom. Whatever controls you – Hollywood, Madison Avenue, Wall Street, you name it – is your god. You just can’t worship two gods. You can’t be trained in greed and a creed. They are mutually exclusive.

You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both. (Matthew 6:24, MSG)

Following Jesus is not a one time decision. You need to choose God every single day of your life. Each day you have to decide whether you want to live God’s way or your own way. You need to decide whether you’re training in greed or a creed. You need to make sure the star you’re following is the real one. The wise men made it all the way to Jesus. You can do the same. Just train yourself in the ways of God and choose Jesus one day at a time.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for being faithful to us
even when we are not faithful to you.
Forgive our greed, Lord.
Train us in your ways.
We want to be yours.
Guide us home to you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Are you training yourself in greed or creed? Do you struggle with this? What does help you to stay focused on Christ?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you train yourself in God’s ways and stick to Jesus every day of your life!

Image courtesy of Brien Johnson. This post is refurbished from 2011. Linking up today with Sharing His Beauty, Unforced Rhythms, Playdates with God.

5 thoughts on “Trained in Greed or a Creed?

  1. Greed can sneak up on us sometimes when we least expect it. Thank you for this warning that it’s still a choice. Praying for you to have a fabulous 2015, Mari-Anna!

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