1 Timothy 6:7-10
Maybe you have heard or read the story about the Ten Apples. "One day God gave a certain man 10 apples. He was told to save the first one to return to God and use the other nine to meet his own needs. He used his apples for food and clothing and shelter. Then he looked at that first apple. It looked better than all the rest. So, he ate it and gave God the core."
Our theme for today is Greed, one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christian tradition. "For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and prided themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:7-10 (NIV)
For me, this is a necessary text to consider in this season of Stewardship. In all my years in parish ministry, I have had to deal with the subject of greed constantly. "Why would we give our money away?" Our church needs all it can get. Besides, how do we know the money will be used wisely?" Or this is one of my favorites: "I'm not giving another cent of my hard-earned money to the church; the preacher gets paid too much as it is," not realizing all the ministries the church was involved in.
Greed is often defined as "an excessive pursuit of material goods." It comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, "Let your conduct be without covetousness. Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Let us all give thanks for who we are and whose we are, for all the blessings that we do have. Let us put greed in the garbage can and give our Lord God the first fruits of our labor, not the core.
"And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
Prayer
All giving God, May our "first fruits" always be given to you. And, may Greed be replaced by Goodness. Amen.
About the Author:
Clint, a retired ELCA pastor, and his wife, Rosie, have been members of Southwood for two years. They now live in the lake country of Missouri where they like to think of themselves as "Southwood's Ambassadors to the Ozarks. They so appreciate being able to continue worshipping and keeping up with all that is happening via the webpage.
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