One of the most destructive forces that can derail our destiny is greed. Greed is an excessive love for money, material possessions, and power, which can consume our lives and lead us down a path of destruction.
As young people, you are at a critical stage in your lives where the choices you make will shape your future.
God wants us to prosper and be in good health. Blessings that come from God do not come with sorrow nor regrets later. They last forever and they are peaceful. Forcing it on ourselves prematurely, brings regrets and sorrows and curses.
Let us make sure that in our bid to live a good life, we do not fall into the trap of greed. It is good to wish for good things but a willingness to do anything to get ahead is very dangerous.
The willingness to sacrifice a loved one for your selfish desire is greed.
God blesses but in His own time. You have to go through the process. People often ‘jump the gun’ to make wealth. That ‘ I must get rich at all cost and in my own time’ should be avoided.
You may become lonely at the end of the day, as relationships play key role in everyone’s life. There may come a time when you will need someone by your side and not material possessions.
“For everything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).
Jesus warned us in Luke 12:15-17 to “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”
Physical blessings, even earthly power and money, come from God, the inordinate desire to amass and accumulate wealth in a way that distorts human nature should be guarded against.
Let us guard against greed.
• If you find yourself constantly thinking about money, wanting to get material possessions even at this young age, and status symbols; a status that took people many years to attain. It may be a sign that greed is taking over your life.
• If you are willing to compromise your values, hurt others, or engage in unethical behaviour to achieve your goals, it is a sign that greed is driving your decisions.
• If you experience a sense of dissatisfaction and discontentment despite having all the material possessions you have ever wanted, it may be a sign that greed is not satisfying your deeper needs: you may have to leave that space for God to fill. He can fill that gap for you. Be grateful to God for what you have.
Greed can turn you into a monster.
May the Lord help you find your purpose in life and fulfil it. May He surround you with Godly people who can advise and guide you to make choices that will align with good principles and values.
If that friend is advising you to go and see the man for money ritual, think again. You may be exchanging your life for money. For, what profits a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul. Your time will come. Just wait a little for God, your time will come.