When Does Legitimate Desire Cross Over to Greed?

In light of what is going on with our economy, an important question Christians need to be asking is when does a legitimate desire to work hard and be successful cross over into sinful greed?  

Albert Mohler answers this question well in his blog entry this past Wednesday:

“The desire for a profit, for income, and for material gain is not in itself greed.  The Bible clearly teaches that the worker is worthy of his hire and that rewards should follow labor, thrift, and investment.

Greed raises its ugly head when individuals and groups (such as corporations or retirement funds) seek an unrealistic gain at the expense of others and then use illegitimate means to gain what they want.  Given the nature of this fallen world and the reality of human sinfulness, we should expect that greed will be a constant temptation.  Greed will entice the rich to oppress the poor, partners in transactions to lie to one another, and investors to take irrational risks.  All of these are evident in this current crisis.”

The Fruitful Life

As a pastor, my calling is to connect people to God through Jesus Christ.  My goal on this website is to share with you what I’m learning as I seek to live a fruitful life for the glory of God.  You and I were created for God’s Glory:

…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory,whom I formed and made.  -Isaiah 43.7

…all things were created through him and for him. – Colossians 1.16

If we were created for God, then we find our life’s purpose in living for God…for His glory. So the next question we must ask is this: How can we live for God’s glory?