Is it just me, or does it seem that Greed has taken over here in America? With the price of fossil fuels going up and up, prices for food, clothes and other necessities are skyrocketing. Our paychecks just don't seem to stretch as far as it used to.

What is happening around the world? It seems like those who have, want more, and those who don't have, lose more. How long before Greed starts to wear down the civil fabric of civilized nations elsewhere around the globe?  Will the economies around the world get so bad that crime will rise to the point where no one will be safe anymore, even here in the United States?

In America, gone are the days where we as a nation used to help and look out for our neighbors. We are now starting to live by the dogma of a 'Me First' mindset.

Most know what Greed is, but what is the true definition as defined by Webster Dictionary?

Webster Defines Greed as...

Greed - Excessive desire for getting or having, esp. wealth; desire for more than one needs or deserves; avarice; cupidity

Avarice - Greedy , to desire - too great a desire to have wealth; cupidity

Cupidity - A strong desire, esp. for wealth; avarice; greed

Covet -  To want ardently (esp., something that another person has); long for with envy

Envy - A feeling of discontent and ill will because of another's advantages, possessions, etc.; resentful dislike of another who has something that one desires

Greed is an insidious sickness that can ensnare a person, even to the point of going against one's own knowledge of what is right and wrong.  Greed is always accompanied with rationalization where deeds done to accomplish the benefits of Greed, are rationalized for or against those who are adversely effected by one's gain.   I.E. They deserved it, they were going to lose it anyway, I need it, they have enough, I can put it to better use than they can, everyone else is doing it so I better do it before they do...

So what does the Bible say about Greed and its partner, Covetousness?

(Exo 20:17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

(Rom 13:9) For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

(Jer 22:17) But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

(Mar 7:21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

(Mar 7:22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

(Mar 7:23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

(Heb 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Greed has been around for centuries, but in the later days, Greed will grow and the hearts of Mankind will get worse and worse.   As we head towards the end of time and the coming return of Jesus, we will start seeing more turn towards the "Me First" mindset and the outcome will be suffering and sorrow for Mankind.

With current times changing, who or what will you turn to when times get hard for you? I hope it's God, after all, this life isn't all there is to your existence. After this life is eternity. Decisions you make now, will determine where you will be when you pass from this life. Will you be with God or will you be forever separated from Him?

Are you ready for eternity? God wants a relationship with you and doesn't want you to be separated from Him after time is stopped.  Eternal separation from God is the penalty for the rejection of Jesus Christ as your savior.

God has made provision for you through His son Jesus. [Do you know Christ?] If not please consider your future and the hard times that are speeding towards mankind and place your trust in Christ for this life and the here-after.