Boiling Greed: The Stages, Dangers and How to Guard Against It"

 

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity - Sun Tzu

1 Timothy 6:10 (The New International Version - NIV):

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Praise God, Church Family of Faith!

A Cautionary Tale:

A billionaire ran a financial business and became greedy, buying shares in his competitor's company without disclosing his details. Shareholders demanded a background check and legal business practices, leading to the billionaire's ejection. The ejected shareholder then conducted unusual business practices, including politicizing things to clean out competition. This led to law enforcers focusing on the billionaire's past Ponzi scams, crafty deals, and money launderings. The billionaire's greed led to his inability to be bailed out, highlighting the importance of addressing greed.

Dear brothers and sisters, today we gather to reflect upon the dangers of boiling greed and how it can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. The story we just heard serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the destructive power of unchecked greed. Let us delve into the stages and perils of boiling greed, and discover how we can guard ourselves against it, seeking instead the grace of our living God.

PART I. The Stages of Boiling Greed:

A. Stage 1: Overwhelming Desire for More

• - Greed often begins innocently, as a desire for success and abundance.
• - However, when left unchecked, this desire can grow into an insatiable hunger for more, blinding us to the consequences of our actions.
• - Scripture:
• Proverbs 28:25 (The English Standard Version - ESV)- "A greedy man stirs up strife (/conflict), but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched (/Prosper)."

B. Stage 2: Unethical Practices and Deception

• - As greed intensifies, we may resort to unethical practices, like the billionaire who bought shares in his competitor's company without disclosing his identity.
• - Deception becomes a tool to maintain control and maximize profits, disregarding the well-being of others.

- Scripture:

Proverbs 11:1 (ESV)- "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord (/The Lord detests dishonest scales), but a just weight is his delight (/but accurate weights find favor with him.)."

C. Stage 3: Loss of Integrity and Accountability

• - The pursuit of wealth can erode our integrity, leading us to evade responsibility and refuse transparency, as seen when the ejected shareholder declined to disclose his details.
• - We become willing to compromise our values and disregard legal obligations for personal gain.

- Scripture:

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)- "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

PART II. The Dangers of Boiling Greed:

A. Isolation and Rejection

• - Greed isolates us from others, as people become wary of dealing with us due to our unethical practices.
• - The billionaire in our story faced rejection and loss of trust, as no one wanted to trade or associate with him.

- Scripture:

Proverbs 15:27 (ESV)- "Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live."

B. Legal Consequences and Ruin

• - Boiling greed often involves illegal activities such as ponzi schemes, scams, and money laundering.
• - Just as law enforcers swiftly acted upon the billionaire's exposed crimes, greed can lead to legal consequences and ruin.

- Scripture:

Proverbs 21:7 (ESV)- "The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just."

PART III. Guarding Against Boiling Greed:

A. Contentment and Gratitude

• - Cultivate a heart of contentment, recognizing that true wealth lies in our relationship with God and the blessings He has already bestowed upon us.
• - Gratitude helps us appreciate what we have and prevents the insatiable desire for more.

- Scripture:

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)- "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

B. Generosity and Stewardship

• - Practice generosity, sharing our resources with others and using them wisely.
• - Recognize that we are stewards of God's blessings and should use them for His glory and the betterment of society.

- Scripture:

Luke 12:33 (ESV)- "Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail."

Dear church, let us guard ourselves against boiling greed, for it is a dangerous path that leads to destruction. May we learn from the cautionary tale we heard today and strive for contentment, gratitude, generosity, and faithful stewardship. Let us pray together, seeking God's grace to protect us from the temptations of greed and guide us towards a life of righteousness.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before you today humbled and aware of the dangers of greed that can consume my heart and lead me astray. Your Word reminds me that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, causing me to wander from the faith and bringing me much grief.

Lord, I lift up those who have fallen into the trap of greed, especially the billionaire in our story who sought personal gain at the expense of others. I pray that you would convict my heart and bring me to a place of repentance and restoration. Help me to see the error of my ways and the harm any of my ways have caused.

I also pray for the shareholders who have been affected by this situation. Grant me and other shareholders wisdom and discernment as I seek a background check on the new shareholder. May the truth be revealed and justice be served through your mercy. Give me peace and assurance that you are in control, even in the midst of any of my uncertainty.

Lord, I ask for your guidance and protection for all those who are involved in the financial industry. Help me to conduct my businesses and works of my hands with integrity, with honesty, and with transparency. Guard my heart against the allure of greed, and remind me always of the importance of serving others and stewarding resources for the greater good.

I pray for myself and my own heart. Search me, O God, and reveal any areas of greed or selfishness within me. Help me to prioritize faith, Help me to prioritize love, and Help me to prioritize righteousness over the pursuit of wealth. Teach me to be content with what I have and to use my resources to bless others and advance your Heavenly kingdom.

In Christ Jesus' mighty name, I have prayed. Amen.

You have been Church-Built and healed. Please voluntarily and sincerely give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love in all circumstances. This is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pray, tithe, and sow healing seeds to Him, who can do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine. Act in faith and obedience, and be doers of the word, not just hearers.

Yours in Christ,

Apostle Jude Noah Wakibi 

Apostle for Church Building and Healing. 

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