Yesterday we noted Jesus' concern that our greed opens a battle in our lives for who or what will be god in them.  Jesus said, " "²⁴“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  Matthew 6:24 NLT  In our culture the role greed plays cannot be overstated.  People put the inordinate pursuit of wealth before God, before family, before self, before reason. 

The only reason some people get out of  bed in the morning is to go after the "almighty dollar," (which actually isn't so "almighty" these days!).  You may be thinking, "Chris, not that many people are so driven by greed."  I don't know the percentage, but it's far higher than many of us realize.  For some greed is couched respectfully in a pursuit of "security."  After all, isn't it responsible to produce enough wealth that our families will be secure?  The biblical answer to that question is, "Yes AND no."  Yes, it is responsible to store up food for the future.  No, it isn't responsible to hoard wealth, or to put our faith in it to provide security in our lives.  Only God can provide true security.  Only God can assure blessing in this life AND the next.  That's why God MUST come first in our lives, not money.   Greed lies to us by telling us that money is the standard by which a person is measured, valued, or becomes secure.  The true standard by which a person is measured, valued and becomes secure is God.

Take some time to reread Matthew 6:24, and reflect on the reality that we WILL serve either God or money.  Which do you serve?  How do you know?  What evidence is there in your life that God is first?  More on that TOMORROW.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for all you provide to make me secure, most of all thank You for sending Jesus to provide my eternal security through His death on the cross. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to trust You enough, to live with an "open hand" knowing that You have and will provide for all my needs.  This I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.