Greed is not exclusive to the rich or poor. Yet, I see a connection between greed and poverty. It may not have anything to do with physical wealth.
Several months back, I read an article that stated upper-middle-class and upper-class families were hoarding wealth because they feared it could disappear at any time. Burglaries and theft occur in poorer neighborhoods because someone feels they deserve more than their neighbor and feel justified in taking it from them.
At the same time, I have felt encouraged and emboldened when a story comes out about a generous person. The story may focus on a rich individual, but also may feature a middle-class or poor person that gave out of the generosity of their heart.
Greed is less about the pursuit of having enough and more about a scarcity mindset that makes the person feel justified in taking from another.
Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
Proverbs 28:22 (NLT)
That’s why get rich quick schemes will not work. There will always be scams, pyramid schemes, and “deals” that appear to promise fabulous wealth. But in the end, it leaves a person poorer in spirit, if not lighter in the pocketbook.
Greed vs. Generosity
Instead, let us be rich in good deeds and in giving. The great thing about such a perspective is that it inspires us. Generosity is just as contagious as greed!
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Instead of searching for the next get-rich-quick scheme, let’s give generously out of our hearts and witness riches we didn’t know existed. Generosity brings wealth physically as well as spiritually. There really is a connection between greed and poverty.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
