Don't Be Greedy

Don't Be Greedy "For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods." Psalm 96:4 Before turning my life over to Christ, I would often strive for a position, a material possession, and do anything to achieve it. More often than not, once I had this position, or possession ... it didn't fulfill the need, it didn't fill that empty hole in my heart. Often half our problems come from wanting our own way and the other half comes from getting it. It is like the little boy who was riding a hobbyhorse together with his sister. The boy said, "If one of us would get off this horse, there would be more room for me." Often we find that we want what others have, rather than being content with what God has given us. We may work, scheme, maneuver, and do almost anything in order to have our way. Once we have our way, we wonder, "Was it worth the effort? Did I push too hard and use too much energy on something that I am not sure is right for me?" Maybe you are happy and satisfied for a moment, but your happiness is fleeting, if it is not in line with God's will. This can be very true when it comes to spiritual matters. If you act with your own gain and pleasure in mind, you actually end up denying the power of God in your life. When it comes to spiritual gifts, this also is true. We can become so focused on having a certain gift that we miss God's greater blessings. Therefore, make a commitment to stay balanced in your view of the spiritual gifts. Don't belittle or discredit the gifts that He has given someone else. Keep in mind that a spiritual gift should: build up the body of Christ. encourage other believers in the way they should go. Bring comfort and hope to those who are hurting and lonely and discouraged. Ask God to make you aware of your gift and how He wants you to use it. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Six December 29