Thank Goodness God isn't Greedy or Selfish!

My heart hurts for someone close to me that is dealing with a greedy person. I do not understand greed and selfishness. I never have. 

I am just not a selfish person. 

I completely understand needing to be somewhat selfish at times, (like that long bath alone after a long day) but to put yourself first above everyone else, especially God and your family is just wrong.

I think greed IS selfishness. The first two things that come to my mind that people are greedy and selfish with are money and time.

The Bible says a lot about these two things, here are just a few Scriptures I dug up:

Proverbs 28: 26 says this, "A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper."

Psalm 119: 36 says this, "Turn your heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain."

Proverbs 18:1 says this, "An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."

James 3: 14-16 says this, "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast bout it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

When we live the way God intended for us to, and we put others first, things work out for us. We do not stir up problems. We think straight. There is not disorder to our activities. 

I am thankful that God is not greedy or selfish! If He was, this would be a different world. We need to use His example. You might look at the Old Testament and think He was selfish, but what He was planning all along was for Jesus to come and save us all. There is not selfishness in that. God has loved His people with a steadfast love for years! 

If you are unsure of God's love, do me a favor. Read the New Testament. Watch how Jesus handled people. He was gentle, He loved, He enjoyed the children when the disciples were ready to send them away, He hung out with tax collectors and prostitutes. Jesus loved. And love is the KEY to not being greedy or selfish!  Jesus did take time alone to pray when He needed to. Which is just smart anyway. You can not be everything to every one. You need some you time. 

Do you see greed or selfishness in your heart? 

If so, pray and ask God to help you get it out.