Building Project

Confession takes many forms. Some may own up to the fact that they struggle with their temper. Another may admit to issues related to control of the tongue, in both instances consoling themselves by saying that this grows out of a passionate nature. Many men are willing (and some would even say it is fashionable) to proclaim the fact that they struggle with sensuality, as if this is the fountainhead of all men’s problems with sanctification. But none would admit to being greedy. It’s not a courant or manly. A man would rather be thought a thief , a womanizer, or a drunk than greedy. Greed doesn’t arise from a virtue run amok, nor has modern science shown it to be genetically predisposed (and thus justifiable, at least to ourselves). It is not hormone-driven. Even the sound of the word; “g-r-e-e-d,” has a leering quality about it which is off-putting. In all my years of spiritual retreats, accountability groups, breakfasts, and other gatherings where believers confess their sins to one another never once have I ever heard greed confessed.

Greed is the insatiable drive to acquire possessions or power unto oneself for as long as the acquiring is possible. Its province is not limited by gender or socioeconomic status. Its objective is acquisition of its desire by whatever means necessary. Thus in Romans 1 greed is shown in company with “every kind of wickedness” and in Colossians it is grouped with “whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Col 3:5) The “Rich Fool” (Lk 12:16-21) was greedy by virtue of the fact that he hoarded his wealth. Greed is sin and Christ’s teaching in this regard is clear:

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk 12:15).

What are we to make of this curious situation? Is it because the sin is rare that we hear so little about it? I think not. The deadly sins have this trait in common, that they are easily seen in others but invisible to their host. But it goes deeper than that. Unlike, say, outbursts of anger, greed takes time to develop. The bawling infant wants to be, and in fact can be, satisfied now. But over time the finite needs of the child are supplanted by the infinite wants of the adult. It requires adult disappointment and disillusionment to develop fear for the future, a compulsion to show well or get revenge. When the world is no longer your oyster it must needs become your obsession.

I knew a man who died confident that he had left behind an estate with enough, and more, to provide for his wife no matter how long she survived after him. But enough was not enough for the wife. While living a life of penury she began to make high-yield, high-risk investments with a broker who was only too glad to help her out. The result was that in a relatively short period of time the entire sum had sprouted wings and flown away. The most pitiful part is that now she says that she has prayed to God that He would give her money back and that if He did she “would give Him a little of it.” Thus does fear metastasize into greed. Is it any wonder so few confess to it?

The antidote to greed is trust in God’s provision, demonstrated in our generosity. Scripture is replete with wondrous promises of blessing and joy for the generous of heart. If you want to get happy look up a few of these verses: (Ps 112:5, Prov 11:25, 22:9, Matt 6:3-4, 7:11, 19:21, 25:34-40, Lk 6:38, Rom 12:6-8, 2 Cor 9:7, Gal 6:9).

A gift to the building ministry demonstrates your conviction that God will continue to supply your needs and that there are things more important than having resources you have no intention of using. It shows you believe that Calvary Bible Church will continue to include young families with children and that we have a role in teaching and modeling spiritual truths to them. It proclaims that you believe this mission is important enough that Calvary should provide safe, well-designed facilities to accomplish it. It shows your gratitude to the previous generations who provided our present facilities and to Him who gave you all things.

We have made an excellent start. Let us press on to accomplish this to the glory of the One we serve! Please give generously and joyfully to the building fund.