Been asked to speak on greed and selfishness (at 11am on Sunday April 3, '22 at Prestonwood in Plano). Know anyone who needs to hear the word? Bring em to church!

You know, and I know.. that money of course ain’t evil. It never has been. It’s the love of bucks that indeed is. 

Greed is all about the love of money. You know at it’s base, this is about selfishness and this exactly is at the root of almost all sins. 

Most of the quarrels and conflicts we have in life occur because of selfish pride, when selfishness is either being threatened, challenged, or ignored. 

Q: Do you currently have self on the throne of your heart so to speak? What is your master passion? Got any idols? What do you talk about the most? What are you trying to fill that inner void inside with for the sake of finding fulfillment and happiness? What or who do you look to primarily to meet your needs? Is it to self as your Lord, is it to your career or boss, is it to your savings, properties and investments, or is it to God? Didn’t He say He could meet all our needs. 

"And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 amp

Selfishness is all about us when instead it should be all about the Jesus Christ of the Bible living large on the inside, and about helping others where He leads each of us. Meditate upon these words.

“What leads to the unending quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your hedonistic desires that wage war in your bodily members fighting for control over you?” James 4:1 amp

Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. icb

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you?” tlb

“Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. You want things, but you don’t get them. So you kill and are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God. Or when you ask, you don’t receive anything, because the reason you ask is wrong. You only want to use it for your own pleasure.” James 4:1-3 erv #emph.mine

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 nkjv

"But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after." 1 Timothy 6:9-10 msg

We are living in a culture of me, myself, and I, a culture that is completely self-absorbed and our nation crumbles to the ground around us. Consider these stats:

• The Incidence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is nearly three times as high for people in their twenties as for the generation that’s now 65 or older.
• 58% more college students scored higher on a narcissism scale in 2009 than in 1982.
• 40% of Millennials believe they should be promoted every two years, regardless of performance.

"You should know this, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves..” 2 Timothy 3:1-2

Back in the day during the 1970s, people wanted to improve their kids’ chances, so the "self-esteem" movement was born. Americans were literally taught that all of the social ills that people see today were due to low self-esteem, and that we all needed to learn to love ourselves more. We’re still taught that more than ever today. 

One expert claims, "The problem is that when people tried to boost self-esteem, they boosted narcissism instead. All that self-esteem leads them to be disappointed when the world refuses to affirm how great they know they are."

So, young Americans still like the idea of marriage today and most people (at sometime in their life) still enter into marriages saying things like: "What’s in it for me?" “Perhaps this will work” and "What about my needs?" This leads to such inane statements as "I’m no longer happy in this marriage," “I fell into and have somehow fallen out of love” and "I need to learn to love myself -- I need to find myself!"

According to a recent survey of 191 CDFA professionals from across North America, the three leading causes of divorce are "basic incompatibility" (43%), "infidelity" (28%), and "money issues" including debt from I want it now (22%) -- and who will control the couple’s money / community property.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (2/7/2018) – The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many couples avoid discussing — money. According to a new survey by Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce, behind infidelity (which is also about selfishness). Results show that both high levels of debt and a lack of communication are major causes for the stress and anxiety surrounding household finances.

In late 2017, Ramsey Solutions, a leading company in financial education, conducted a study of more than 1,000 U.S. adults to gain understanding of personal finance behaviors and attitudes, as well as how married couples communicate and relate about money.

The larger a couple’s debt, the more likely they were to say money is one of the top issues they fight about. Almost half of couples with $50,000 or more in consumer debt say money is a top reason for arguments. Those who say they have a “great” marriage are almost twice as likely to talk about money daily or weekly compared to those who say their marriage is “okay” or “in crisis."

So where does this selfishness come from? 

The Bible says, "Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves" James 4:1–2 msg

Selfishness is something the Bible says is a sign of the end times: "You should know this, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves.." 2 Timothy 3:1–2 nlt

Where did love of God and of others go? Why so many hardened hearts now? Kind of sad to think about huh. So, what is the antidote to selfishness? It is selflessness in the Lord (who is the most loving and selfless Person who has ever walked on this planet)!

NO! But the Bible says love your neighbor as yourself, Kurt! The Bible tells us you already love yourself, so now love others. 

Think JOY: Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. 

Better yet, believe in Jesus. Thanks Katrina Wright for the photo

Greed is selfishness. It’s using money only for yourself independent of Christ and His daily lead, rather than for serving God and helping other people. 

What subject do you do your best to avoid in a conversation? A 2021 survey of 2,130 Americans 18 and older asked what subjects they regularly discuss with friends.

People, go ahead and make a guess and order these subjects, covered in the survey, by the topic they most regularly discuss with friends to the topic they least regularly discuss with friends: health, relationships, politics, current events, pop culture, money.

People love to hear their names mentioned and love to talk about themselves even in regards to current events, health, pop culture, relationships, and politics, and money. 

Now see Proverbs 11:4, 28–31; 22:1–7; and 29:13.

Q: Why does it seem preferable to be neither rich nor poor?

God in Proverbs tells us not to waste our lives chasing after wealth, because riches are fleeting. It's better to seek Him and his Kingdom first (See Matt. 6:33).

"Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives." Proverbs 11:28-30 niv

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven." Proverbs 23:4–5

Spending your life pursing wealth is like chasing after the wind and the image is of a bird flying off (v. 5) was a common symbol for fleeting wealth in the ancient world.5 Riches don’t last forever, even in this life (27:24), but they certainly don’t last beyond this life. As the modern saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” This is why Jesus called the man who built bigger barns a “fool” in His parable. He spent his whole life building up riches for himself but died without being able to enjoy them. This is what it’s like, Jesus said, when you focus on storing up treasures on earth without being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:13–21). Earthly treasures can be stolen, lost or destroyed, but the treasure we store up in heaven can never be taken away from us (Matthew 6:19–20).

Focusing your life on wealth can also become a form of slavery. As Solomon concluded in Ecclesiastes, those who love money never have enough (5:10). It’s an addiction. Your whole life revolves around working harder to get more until you realize money isn’t giving you the life you imagined it would; it’s controlling you.6 As the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca said, “The wise man regards wealth as a slave, the fool as a master.”7 Jesus also called money a potential “master” when He said, “No one can serve two masters.… You cannot serve God and money!” (Matthew 6:24).

In addition to all of that, money is a fool’s errand because it doesn’t give us what we’re really looking for. Evangelical professor Bruce Waltke wrote that “Money’s value is limited (3:13–18). It can build a house, but not a home; it can put food on a table, but not fellowship around it; it can give a woman fur and jewelry, but not the love she really wants.”8 What we really want isn’t the money but what we think money can give us – security, love, joy. But those things can only come from God. Money’s version of those things is superficial, empty and fake. It’s fool’s gold.

Love of money can affect the rich and the poor and everyone in between. It’s not about how much you have or don’t have, it’s about your attitude toward it. But Proverbs tells us it tends to affect those on either extreme most easily. “Give me neither poverty nor riches” the wise man asks the Lord. If he were rich, he may think he didn’t need God, but poverty may lead him to steal or cheat to get what he needed. So, he asks to live somewhere in the middle. Remember, this is speaking in generalizations. The issue with both extremes is about honoring God – keeping His law and trusting in Him rather than wealth for security, self-worth, meaning and happiness.

Q: In what ways has your attitude toward money evolved as you have matured as a believer?

Q: How would you describe the life of someone who “serves money” (Matthew 6:24)? Why is someone who serves money incapable of also serving God?

Q: What safeguards have you placed in your life to help promote a kingdom mindset concerning your finances?

It can be challenging finding the balance, but the Chief Shepherd can help us in this.

Qs: Where is the line between making wise decisions about building wealth for your family’s future and vainly “storing up treasures on earth”? Where is the line between making sure your family is financially secure and trusting in money rather than in God to provide for you? How can you know you are not being driven by a love of money and are really submitting to your Master who is Christ (the Lord of your life)?

Wise application: Pray for God to reveal to you any way that you are letting your life be ruled by an inordinate desire for wealth or power (or by the things that come with them) rather than by Jesus Christ. Ask God to show you any ways you let a desire for wealth or power dictate your decisions, or the way you relate to other people. Ask Him to examine your heart deeply and honestly. Are there any ways that you are selfishly greedy, that you pursue wealth no matter the cost to others or to your integrity?

Choose to bless someone else this week. Think of at least one way that you can bless someone else. Perhaps with time assisting them in their work (..like serving em around their yard or with laundry), or in better listening, or for a meal (making, baking or delivering) or even financially. If you don’t have a lot of money, it can be something really simple. If you've been blessed with greater wealth, perhaps think bigger about how you can be generous with what God has given to you.

False statement among so many of em. Photo by Brian Lundquist

Thanks for the pics, Derick McKinney

Do not be misguided. Unselfishly God guides the upright in their integrity (v. 3) because they desire what God desires (Prov. 11:23). They unselfishly sow righteousness (v. 18) and flourish like a healthy tree (vv. 28, 30). The upright are a blessing to others in different ways (vv. 10–11), and they gain a sure reward (v. 18). See Prov. 11 chapter and discover what happens to the wicked. The repeated “do not” reminds you that there are some things God does not want His children to do.

There is no way to avoid encountering foolish people. God can give us love for them. We can indeed walk away from a fool when they want to talk trash and aren't open to hearing the truth. The question is not whether or not we will encounter fools (we will indeed, so share what's so), but the question is one of what to do when we do encounter em. God says...

“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance” Prov. 14:7-9

Do you want to walk in wisdom? “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Prov. 13:20). Why partner with a fool (Prov. 13:19-20)? Why argue with a fool (Prov. 20:3)? Why think like or become a fool? Why act foolishly (Prov. 14:16)? Why make a fool your really close friend? We should avoid too much time with fools (even carnal worldly believers), like when the fool starts to pull you down. Why become misguided?

Do not lust after the luxuries gobs of money can buy (See Prov. 23:1–3), even when the rich offer them to you. You may get an appetite for such things and start living to get rich (vv. 4–5). But riches fly away, while character remains for eternity. At the same time, do not get friendly with miserly people (vv. 6–8). No matter how much they offer you, their hearts are not with you. It is not the food on the table but the love in the heart that makes fellowship real and lasting.

Do not speak carelessly around fools (v. 9), for they will misunderstand and misquote you and get you into trouble. Wait, hold on, then wisely speak. Think before you speak. Do not change the boundaries that men and God have made (vv. 10–11; 22:28; Deut. 19:14). This is robbery and oppression, and God will judge it.

Do not fail to discipline your child (vv. 13–14), so that he or she might have wisdom and bring you joy (vv. 15–16). No matter what other families may do, do not envy sinners (vv. 17–18), but trust the Lord and obey Him. Set a good example by respecting your parents (v. 22).

Do not mix with drunkards and gluttons lest you become like them (vv. 19–21). Do not even look at the wine (vv. 29–35) lest you end up embarrassed and bruised.

Do not sell the truth at any price (v. 23)! It costs something to live by the truth, but it costs even more to abandon the truth, so don't ditch Jesus. He is the way for you, the truth for you, and the life for you. There's no way into heaven apart from Him. Stick with Christ and the Bible. Stay in fellowship with Him and His people.

Do not selfishly misspend. What to buy? The truth. Can't pay for salvation though. God says, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” which is wise advice from Proverbs 23:23. Lot sold the truth for a home in the city (Gen. 13:1–13), and selfish Esau sold the truth for a mess of pottage (Gen. 25:29–34). Power hungry religious King Saul sold the truth for the support of the people (1 Sam. 15:24–35). Greedy Judas sold the truth for thirty pieces of silver. Selfishness is way overrated (Matt. 26:14–16), and Pilate sold the truth for the approval of the crowd (Mark 15:15). It is not worth it to live selfishly! Prayerfully see Proverbs 10:2; 11:1, 23–27; 20:10, 23; 21:6 and 28:20–28, 23:4–5; 27:23–24; and 30:7–9.

What does God the Son say about our Father God? "Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:38-39

Let's grow in our love for the Father and for others! Christ wasn't saying that before you can love others, you must first love yourself. That's a common interpretation of Scripture here. Jesus is not teaching people that they need to love self more in order to begin to love others.

Essentially, Jesus said people love themselves and just as you already love yourself, just as you already care for yourself and think about yourself, you are to go love your neighbor in this same way.

When you're shown a group of photos, which photos do you single out and focus on first? The ones with you in them. It's cuz we already love ourselves. As the apostle Paul said, “No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it..” Eph. 5:29

Like me have you heard teenagers or others say, “I just hate myself. I hate these pimples and this fat. I’m so ugly. I’m just so horrible. I just hate myself.”

What? Really? Man, if you truly hated yourself, then you would be glad that you were ugly, that you had pimples and fat right? In fact you'd wish you were much fatter to the point of real danger.

Why is it that people who say they hate themselves spend all their time talking about themselves? “I hate the way that I look,” they will say. “I just hate this about myself. I really hate that about myself.”

When you walk in front of a building with mirrored glass downtown what's the first thing you look for in the reflection? Other buildings? Nope, you look for yourself. Why would you do that if you hated even the thought of you?

No, the fact of the matter is that all of the selfish attention that people shower upon their own lives proves they love themselves.

Why do you spend so much money on your hairstyle or on you, and spend so much time in front of a mirror just looking at yourself with all those different outfits on?

The truth is, we all love ourselves and many people in our Western culture are selfish.

What is Jesus basically saying? “Hey, you already love yourself; therefore, love go your neighbor.”

Christ goes on to say that if you do this, as well as love the Lord first with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all of your mind, then all the commandments of God will be fulfilled, because you will naturally do the things that please Him.

The Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:2–8 said, "Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross" (nlt).

Come as you are, bring a friend: 11am, Rm W202 at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093. Ph 214.810.6239, Ch: 972.820.5000