Luke 12:15 – “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” (NKJV)
Greed often wears an invisible cloak. It slips quietly into our daily lives, blending seamlessly with what society calls success, ambition, or progress. Without noticing, we find ourselves chasing “more”; more validation from others, more status to feel important, more comfort to ease our anxieties, more possessions to feel secure.
Yet, there is a painful irony to this chase. The more we grasp, the emptier we often feel. What once felt like a prize quickly loses its shine, leaving us restless and reaching for the next thing. It is an exhausting cycle that promises satisfaction but never truly delivers.
Jesus spoke directly to this human tendency when He said:
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”(Lk 12:15)
His words cut through the illusion. Life’s value is not measured by what we own, how others perceive us, or what temporary comforts we manage to collect. When we live as if these things define us, we inevitably find ourselves discontent and weary.
THE MIRAGE OF MORE
Greed is deceptive because it never presents itself as greed. Instead, it disguises itself as progress, ambition, or “just wanting the best.” It tells us, “Once you have this, you’ll finally feel secure… Once you reach that goal, you’ll finally be enough.” But the moment we arrive, the finish line moves. The craving for more never ends.
That’s because greed feeds on emptiness; it doesn’t fill it. Like drinking salt water to quench thirst, the pursuit of “more” only deepens our longing.
THE BEAUTY OF ENOUGH
Jesus points us to a different way of living, anchored not in accumulation but in contentment, gratitude, and trust. True fulfilment is discovered when we no longer measure life by possessions but by His presence: God’s presence in us, shaping our hearts and directing our steps.
When gratitude becomes our posture, life shifts. We begin to see blessings where we once saw lack. We start to measure richness not by our bank accounts but by the love we give and receive. Contentment doesn’t mean complacency: it means choosing joy and peace in what we already have, while trusting God with what we don’t.
SEEKING FIRST WHAT LASTS
Jesus didn’t simply warn us about greed; He also gave us the antidote: “Seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31)
When our eyes are fixed on God’s kingdom (on what is eternal rather than temporary), the grip of greed weakens. We stop chasing shadows and begin walking in light. Purpose replaces emptiness. Peace steadies our restless hearts. And in that space, we find the kind of fulfilment that possessions could never provide.
A QUESTION FOR THE HEART
So, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
Where do you find yourself endlessly craving more?
Is it validation, comfort, possessions, or success?
Could these pursuits be clouding your vision of what truly matters: your pursuit of God’s presence, His kingdom, and His righteousness?
Life is too precious to be wasted in the empty pursuit of more. The invitation of Jesus is simple yet profound: to release the grip of greed and to embrace the freedom of contentment, gratitude, and trust. In doing so, we discover that what we were searching for all along was never “more” things; it was more of Him. Amen.
HERE ARE SIX CONCISE KEYS DRAWN FROM THE BLOG TOPIC:
Greed is never satisfied – the pursuit of more always promises fulfillment, but only leaves us emptier and craving again.
Life’s worth is not possessions – Jesus reminds us that true value isn’t measured by what we own but by who we are in Him.
Greed disguises itself – it often appears as ambition or progress, but its root is restlessness and discontent.
Contentment is freedom – gratitude shifts our perspective, helping us find joy and peace in what we already have.
God’s kingdom is the answer – seeking what is eternal loosens greed’s grip and anchors us in lasting purpose.
Fulfillment is found in Him – what our hearts truly long for isn’t more things but more of God’s presence and love.
