Greed is an evil that consumes society to such an extent that even people have taken the life of a blood brother because they cannot agree on how to distribute an inheritance and there is always someone who wants to keep most of it.
It seems that something similar happened in those days, because, on a certain occasion, a person from the crowd asked Jesus: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” To which Jesus replies that who made Him judge and divider? He also added:
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Luke 12:15
In this verse Jesus had just taught about the great value we have for our God, that value is so great that we can see that the Master gave himself for us on the cross of Calvary. This is a fact that motivates us every day to be able to be in the ways of God.
And that is why Jesus himself advises us to take care of greed, since our lives today are, and it is not for material goods, rather because our God has loved us and has had mercy.
O dear friend, we must separate ourselves and take care of all greed just as Jesus commands us, since this is an evil that can damage our lives for nothing, since one day we will leave this earth and everything material will stay here. God bless you.
Greed has always been one of the great enemies of the human heart. From the earliest biblical accounts, we see how the uncontrolled desire to possess more than what is necessary leads people to injustice, division, and even violence. It is not a problem limited to one era or culture; it is a condition that affects humanity as a whole. When greed takes root in the heart, it blinds the conscience and hardens the soul, making people forget the value of love, unity, and compassion.
The request made to Jesus about dividing an inheritance reveals a very common human tendency: the desire to use even spiritual authority to satisfy personal interests. Instead of seeking reconciliation or wisdom, the man sought a favorable ruling that would benefit him materially. Jesus, however, redirects the conversation to something much deeper, reminding His listeners that the true danger is not how wealth is divided, but how it can take control of the heart.
By warning about covetousness, Jesus teaches that life cannot be measured by possessions. Houses, money, land, and material achievements may provide temporary comfort, but they can never fill the emptiness of the soul. True life, according to God’s design, is found in a relationship with Him, in obedience to His will, and in living according to His principles. Anything that replaces God as the center of our lives becomes an idol, and greed is one of the most subtle idols of all.
When Jesus speaks these words, He does so in the context of God’s care and provision. He reminds us that we are deeply valuable in God’s eyes, far more valuable than anything we could ever own. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross confirms this truth: our worth is not defined by what we accumulate, but by the love God has shown us. Understanding this frees us from the constant anxiety of wanting more and more.
Greed also damages relationships. Families are divided, friendships are broken, and communities are weakened when material interests take priority over love and justice. Many conflicts that seem small on the surface are rooted in an unwillingness to let go, to share, or to trust God’s provision. The gospel calls us to a different way of living, one marked by generosity, gratitude, and contentment.
To guard ourselves against greed, we must cultivate a thankful heart. Gratitude helps us recognize that everything we have comes from God and that He is faithful to supply our needs. When we learn to be content, we experience true freedom. We are no longer enslaved by the desire for more, but able to enjoy what God has already given us.
Let us remember, then, that our time on this earth is temporary. One day we will leave behind all material things, but our relationship with God and the fruit of our obedience will remain. May we choose to live wisely, following the teaching of Jesus, and may our lives reflect values that honor God rather than the fleeting riches of this world.