The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Sunday, February 25, 2024
OVERCOMING AVARICE: CHOOSING GOD OVER WEALTH
“So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).”
Colossians 3:5
Main Text: Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:10
Avarice, often overlooked, refers to an insatiable desire to gain and hoard wealth, encompassing greed, selfishness, entitlement, materialism, consumerism, and hoarding. Jesus warned about the dangers of serving two masters, God and money, highlighting avarice as a significant competitor for our souls.
The story of Zaccheus in Luke 19 illustrates the destructive nature of avarice. Despite his wealth and status, Zaccheus prioritized wealth above people, extorting his own community. To combat avarice, we must recognize our authority over all things, pray to fall more in love with Jesus, and cultivate a habit of generous giving to the church, the poor, and those in need.
Confession:
I delight my soul in the Lord, resisting the sneers of the wicked one. I am a giver, and I reap a bountiful harvest in Jesus' name! Amen.
Further Reading:
Hebrews 13:5 “Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.”
1 Timothy 6:9-10 “Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow.”
Read through the bible in 1 year: Leviticus 16:29-18:30 Mark 7:24-8:10 Psalm 41:1-13 Proverbs 10:15-16
Read through the bible in 2 years: Ez 6-7 & Ps 49
