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Watch Out For Greed
Jesus warned, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15). Greed is more complex than a single trait or motive. If it were it would be easier to avoid. Jesus warns us that greed is sneaky. It can creep into our lives unnoticed. He even says there are “all kinds”. Let's explore four specific types of greed Jesus highlights in this passage.
The first two types emerge from a dispute presented to Jesus. "Teacher," someone in the crowd said, "tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me" (Luke 12:13). Both brothers were so consumed by their potential wealth that they lost sight of what truly mattered. The first brother's outright greed—the kind we typically picture—ignores both law and basic human decency. It hardens hearts and stifles conscience. He was keeping an inheritance for himself while snubbing his own family!
Why doesn't Jesus simply command the brother to do right? Perhaps because this man's greed was so deeply rooted that he wouldn't listen. But Jesus' response is surprising. He seems to chastise the one who ought to have legitimate complaint. This second brother - the one who presents as the innocent party - wanted Jesus to be his personal ATM, prioritizing earthly wealth over spiritual riches. He was more interested in "getting his" than in following Jesus' teachings of suffering and service. This is the second kind of greed— distraction from God's kingdom, a focus on self over others. It's dangerous because it blinds us to our own selfishness, making us believe we're in the right when we're actually far off course.
The parable of the rich fool showcases a third type of greed. Jesus doesn't condemn the man for his wealth but for his self-centeredness and pride. He takes credit for his success, offering no thanks to God. His life revolves around himself: "I will take life easy; I will eat and drink and be merry" (Luke 12:19). Our culture thrives on this kind of greed. We're obsessed with work, saving, and spending for personal comfort. Few consider sharing or building God's kingdom. Christians can get just as swept up in this as the rest of the world. One marker Jesus indicates is motivation. If you want to check yourself, ask “why? Why am I spending? Why am I saving? Why do I want ‘retirement’?” etc. If your answer sounds like the rich man: “I deserve it. I earned it. I want….” then this parable is for you. If your answer is about “taking life easy, eating, drinking….” then this parable is for you. Watch out for this kind of greed.
Finally, Jesus reveals a greed in verse 21 that replaces spiritual wealth with material possessions. Nowhere does Jesus condemn the rich man for being wealthy; it was a blessing from God! However, the man was not rich toward God.True riches involve gratitude, dedication, and serving others. Had the man invested in God's kingdom, the outcome might have been different. Don't let the pursuit of things distract you from serving God.
We have seen four ways in which greed can manifest. It ranges from overt greed of material accumulation to more subtle forms of self-centeredness and spiritual neglect. Yes, always guard against overt greed - stealing, coveting, and keeping others from their rights and due pay. But more subtly, guard against pursuing self interests to the neglect of Jesus’ mission. Do not spend your life and all your efforts pursuing comfort and retirement, luxury and satisfaction. If God wills those things then what a great blessing! But our goal is becoming wealthy in spirit through love, sharing, and mercy. Lastly, guard against the greed that pride brings. Consciously practice gratitude. Dedicate yourself to the Kingdom. Remember, everything belongs to Him. Use your resources wisely, not greedily.
