The Cost of Greed

Let’s talk about something important today—greed.

It’s something the Bible warns us about often, yet many of us rarely want to acknowledge it.

The thing is, greed is sneaky, and some of us don’t even realize it’s already crept into our lives.

However, if we understand how it works and spot it in our own hearts, we can learn to deal with it.

So, let’s take a closer look.

What is Greed?

It’s that overwhelming, selfish desire to have more than we need—like wanting more stuff, money, recognition, or more control.

And it can get ugly really fast.

However, greed isn’t always obvious, and many of us dismiss it because we don’t see ourselves as prioritizing money or wealth above everything else like mansions, flashy jewelry, or all the fancy “bling, bling” stuff.

But Jesus points us toward something deeper here in Luke 12:15. He says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.”

Notice that—“all kinds.” It’s not just about money or material things.

Greed reaches into other areas of life that we may not even notice.

That’s why it’s so important to take a closer look at what it can do to us.

So, what is the cost of greed?

1. Greed Will Steal Your Rest

Ever feel like no matter how much you get, it’s never enough?

That’s the farmer Jesus talks about in Luke 12:16-18.

He had a huge harvest, but instead of sharing or being content, he thought, “Let me build bigger barns.”

For he was driven by greed.

The problem? No matter how much he gathered, he could never rest.

For the greedy, no amount is ever enough. They never feel secure.

Truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with being hard-working or responsible with your money.

Even building a bigger barn isn’t inherently wrong.

However, greed is something completely different.

Greed is the relentless urge to gain more—so much that it harms your morals and spiritual life.

But, when the Holy Spirit brings balance into our lives, when we don’t let greed control us, we find peace.

We can say, “I have enough. My barns are full. Now, let’s focus on giving, not just living.”

Unfortunately, a greedy person never reaches this point. For them, enough is never enough.

Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!

The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it.

So what is the advantage of wealth—except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers!

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

2. It Steals Your Love for Others

Greed isn’t just about keeping things for yourself—it makes you blind to the needs of others.

Think about that farmer again. He had more than enough, but he didn’t even think about sharing with anyone else.

Greed can shut down any desire to be generous. It snuffs it out completely.

God, who owns everything, has already given us clear instructions on how to use our wealth.

We are called to give, to help others, to be cheerful givers.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’

2 Corinthians 9:7

But greed clouds our vision and makes us think, “I worked for this. It’s mine.”

I once heard someone argue, “Giving to the poor will only encourage the bad habits that led to their poverty in the first place.”

Sure, there are times when people need help in the right way—like teaching them responsibility, as the Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

But it’s troubling to think there are people who let this mindset guide how they view the poor.

Ultimately, generosity isn’t just about helping others—it’s about becoming more like Christ.

It shapes your character and reflects God’s heart. It is key to living a godly and fulfilling life.

And I have been a constant example of how you can help the poor by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘ It is more blessed to give than to receive. ‘

The Acts 20:35

3. Greed Takes Away Life’s Real Joys

Life isn’t just about money. We all know that.

Sure, money can make life easier, just like good health. It’s one of those things we often take for granted until it’s gone.

However, when greed takes hold, we start to ignore the true joys of life.

We begin to think that if we just have more, we’ll be happy. But that’s a lie.

In reality, life’s richest joys come from the people around us, not the stuff we collect.

At its core, greed is ready to give up everything for selfish gain.

Greed says, “It’s all about me.”

Jesus warns us about this mindset in Luke 12:15, reminding us that greed can strip us of what truly matters—our relationships, purpose, and connection to God.

Then he said, ” Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.”

Luke 12:15

4. It Robs You of Your Love for God

How can we truly love God if we’re constantly saying, “I’m not content with what I have”?

Greed says, “I can’t trust God; I need to secure my own future.”

It shifts our focus away from Him and places it on ourselves.

At its core, greed is idolatry. It elevates something else above God.

And as Christians, God must always be our number one.

That’s why we must ask ourselves: what is taking God’s place in my heart?

Greed has no place in what comes from God.

If it doesn’t come from Him, it is something we must refuse and distance ourselves from.

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:24

5. Greed Pushes You to Sacrifice Your Integrity

When you’re focused on getting more, it’s easy to start cutting corners.

You may think, “What if I just lie a little, or take advantage of this situation?

The Bible calls this “lust.”

But lust isn’t just about desire for pleasure; it’s when our hearts become so fixated on material wealth that we start to place dollar signs in front of our moral integrity.

Even worse, we begin to justify sin for the sake of wealth.

Here’s the truth: money made at the cost of your integrity never lasts and often leads to regret, ruin, and lost opportunities in the long run.

Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.

Proverbs 13:11

6. It Destroys Relationships

At its core, greed is always self-centered.

This self-centeredness creates conflict.

In families, children fight over inheritances, allowing money or possessions to permanently damage their relationship as siblings.

In friendships, greed can cause hurt feelings and deep wounds.

The hurt and pain that follow often leave deep scars.

Ultimately, greed doesn’t just harm our financial lives—it can destroy the very relationships that matter most.

Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

Proverbs 28:25

7. Greed Can Make You Overlook the Value of a Good Reputation

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Your reputation is everything,” and it’s true.

Your reputation impacts your career, relationships, and legacy.

But greed can make you sacrifice it for a quick profit, which is a mistake, especially for young entrepreneurs.

In the long run, a good reputation is far more valuable than any short-term gain.

Moreover, a strong reputation built on integrity opens doors and provides opportunities that money alone cannot buy.

Ultimately, being known as a trustworthy, hardworking, and honest person brings lasting rewards.

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

The Next Step

So, what do we do with all this?

The Bible does not romanticize greed. Instead, it clearly warns us about it.

Therefore, greed must be recognized by each person’s conscience when it appears.

We need to guard ourselves against it by being honest with ourselves and sticking to the truth.

However, we can’t do it alone.

It’s only by God’s grace that we can protect our hearts from greed and focus on what truly matters.

So, let me ask you: Are you guarding your heart from greed, or is it taking over your life?

Remember, the cost of greed is high.

Live like Christ here on earth.

Maranatha!