(129) GREED

Let’s see what is written in the dictionary about greed. It is defined as a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed. In other words, don’t let greed for riches have control over you. Sure we all need money to survive in this world of ours. Jesus warned against all types of greed. Let’s see what is written in Luke 12:15, Then he said, “Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.”

Let’s see what is written in 1 Sam. 2: 29, so why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings? Why do you honor your sons more than me-for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of my people! Let’s look into 1 Tim. 3:3, 8 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving and not one who loves money. 8 In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money.

Numerous times, I have mentioned people place money first and then place God second. No! It must not be! We must place God first. People who are in this situation serve “Mammon,” Greek form of a Syriac or Aramaic word for “money,” riches,” property,” “worldly goods,” “profit.” In other words, it is for their personal gain. Let’s look in Zephaniah 1:18, your silver and gold will be of no use to you on that day of the Lord’s anger. For the whole land will be devoured by fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. In other words, our fortunes or value of money will be all useless on that day, it will be worth nothing. Yes, absolutely nothing. It will be worthless. People will be throwing their fortunes out on the street, such as gold, silver and money. It will be just pieces of paper and lots of metals.

Why? As I recollect, many, many years ago, I saw lots of wealthy people while I was working at the Memorial Park who passed away from this planet and they didn’t take their fortunes with them. What now? Could they buy their way to heaven? No! Absolutely not! They will be judged according to what they had done while they were living on this planet. Question, were they productive, generous or helpful to the less fortunate ones living on this planet? Are you with me so far? For me I truly believe, before a person takes their last breath on this planet, God will show them where they will be going. I have experienced in the past as I looked into their faces, sometimes the expression on the faces of the deceased showed fear and sometimes, it was a joyful face, it seemed like the person was smiling.

What really counts is while we are living on this planet; we must help the unfortunate ones who are struggling to live and to survive everyday of their lives and lead them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of them don’t have enough food, medical or shelter to keep them warm from the harsh climate conditions that we encounter while we are living on this planet. Whenever time permits me, every so often, I watch the television programs where children are starving, without food, shelter, medical and they are stricken with sickness within themselves. It really saddens me very much. I pray to the Lord Jesus to comfort and protect them and provide whatever is necessary that they need to survive on this planet. Amen! (So be it)

The moral of this message is never being greedy, but to be very generous with others and I truly believe God will bless you much more in your wealth and health. Take care of your family and yourself, and then help others that need to be helped in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Does it make sense to you so far? If it does, say Amen! Praise the Lord!

Aloha, from Pastor Jimmy Nishimoto and Chris Eliason.