We’ve all seen movies about, or known someone motivated by, greed. Big Ponzi schemes, with people who invest their money in the hope of getting huge returns, only to lose everything in the end. It’s easy to see these things happen and think, “How could a person do that?” And yet, greed is so sneaky that we often don’t realize when it’s in our own heart. Greed can start with a few selfish thoughts; it can look like us wanting to hoard the things God has given us, or refusing to be generous with what we have.

The Bible warns against greed in Luke 12:15, which says, “And Jesus said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

This week, take inventory of your heart. Are you harboring greed? Are you placing too much important on money, or things? If so, humbly go to the Lord. Pray to God, and confess to Him. Be willing to obey Him in tithing your ten percent of income, and in generosity. Then, share with others honestly and sincerely; your humility might encourage others to also place their trust in God, and give up destructive greed. This is Luis Palau.