After Jesus told us we CANNOT serve two masters in Matthew 6:24, he made this statement in Matthew 6:33:  ³³But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  If we truly want to know whether greed or God is ruling in our hearts, all we have to do is ask ourselves this question:  Am I seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?  And then be honest with ourselves about the answer.  If we're seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness FIRST, then greed won't be a problem in our lives. 

How can I say that?  It's easy, because if we're truly putting God's Kingdom and righteousness first that means we'll be directing our time, talents and money to pursuing God's will and purpose in our lives as STEWARDS (managers) of all God has entrusted to us.  After all, when God, His Kingdom and righteousness are truly FIRST in our lives, we realize nothing is ours anyway.  My house isn't "my" house.  It belongs to God, as do my cars, my clothes, my bank accounts--everything!  When we live that way, recognizing all we have and are belongs to God, greed goes out the window.  It's only when we believe that anything is ours that greed gains a foothold.  After all, if it IS "my" house, then I'll need to make it as big, beautiful, comfortable, convenient and fashionable as possible.  And since the meaning of beautiful, comfortable, convenient, fashionable and even big changes often in our culture, I'll have to keep making more and more money just to keep up, let alone to get ahead.  Greed is truly a "black hole," because it sucks everything in its path into it.

Take some time right now to reread Matthew 6:33 and ask, "What is the FIRST pursuit of my life?" If it's God--praise God!  If it's not---repent, right now!  Turn from that sin, and turn back to God.  Ask His forgiveness in Jesus' name, and commitment to pursuing Him, His Kingdom and righteousness FIRST.  Remember what Soren Kierkegaard said, "If you don't seek first the Kingdom of God, you won't seek the Kingdom of God."

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, I pray that You will move my heart to seek You first, to seek Your Kingdom and Your righteousness first, and I trust that as I do that You will be my security, You will provide all I need.  This I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.