Greed

One doesn't have anything to do with the other. That's like saying watching the Rockets game is evil because while you are sitting there thousands are dying from cancer.

 

I'll rephrase my question. Do you think his lack of charity with his remaining billions is evil? You did mention that it is evil for billionaires to put their money in savings and investments while thousands die of starvation daily.

 

depends on the church, i suppose. i can assure you i've never heard a sermon preached exclusively on abortion or homosexuality. but i've heard TONS preached on the dangers of greed.

i think abortion and homosexuality have become political issues. that makes them "loud." for whatever reason, greed isn't framed that way. and our culture worships the almighty dollar...greed is like prayer.

 

Yes, and lets remember it's not a zero sum game. Yes some people lose their jobs but many of the same benefit from an array of cheaper products and more job creation in the future. I don't think outrage against outsourcing will be a winning political strategy because more people benefit from it than are hurt by it.

 

Agreed, I have rarely heard sermons on abortion and homosexuality, most are based on the teachings of Jesus, ie being kind to your fellow man, being humble, the Golden Rule, etc.

 

There is no such thing as success. It's a false state of mind when you feel you have achieved something. That is why companies can make video games where a person plays for hours to gain levels and in reality has gained nothing.

 

Because those who are greedy deceive themselves.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous (GREEDY), nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 6
1Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

But didn't you already judge billionaires who put their money into savings and investments? I suspect most of those folks also give quite a bit to charity.

You asked the original question. Where do you draw the line?

I believe, the answer lies within what rhester wrote, that greed involves a selfish motive of the heart and only God truly knows what lies in the heart of man.

I can't judge anyone greedy because I don't necessarily know their ulterior motive. Perhaps Kevin Garnett wanted 22 million/year instead of 17 million/year because he wanted to do something socially conscious with the additional 5 million.

Perhaps the multi-millionaire wants to make and keep those extra millions because he wants to endow research for whatever disease may kill him or a family member.

 

Greed is not just the sin of the rich.
Often the poor are more greedy.

It is best to accept what God gives and be thankful. If you work and God blesses you with finances be grateful and use your resources for God's glory. Christianity is based upon love- disinterested benevolence.

For a Christian who will give an account to God as a steward of His blessings and resources it is a challenge to keep one's own heart free of greed.

I recommend owning nothing (look at everything as a gift from God, leave the ultimate ownership with Him)... become a steward of resources for the Lord Jesus.

Be content-

Contentment is realizing God has already provided everything you need for your current happiness.

 

renunciation is not necessarily a Christian concept.

A Christian believes God blesses with money for His purposes and we are His steward of resources (to honor God with obedience.)

1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

For a Christian it is more important to be filled with God's love and to obey God than to give all our resources in good deeds. Obedience to God is more important than our own perceptions of charity.

All my random thoughts.

 

I just meant for a Christian the greater good is obedience to God.

Please don't use 'greater good' without defining the term. I have no idea what that would mean for you.

 

This reminds me of a story I read. A woman and her brother are discussing the concept of tithing. Unbenownst to them, the woman's young grandson is listening in. Eventually he butts in and asks "Grandma, what is tithing"? She explains how everything we receive is a gift from God and a tithe is giving 10% of that back to God. The little boys eyes widen in amazement and he says, "You mean, God lets us keep 90%"?

 

"The point is ladies and gentlemen that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of it's forms - greed for life, for money, knowledge - has marked the upward surge of mankind and greed - you mark my words - will not only save Teldar Paper but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA. Thank you."

 

That analogy is flawed. Of course you can easily pull someone who is drowning out of your own pool and set them on their way. With starvation, even if you give billions the problem will only be solved temporarily. I would argue that corporations who do business in other countries have done a lot more good than the "selfless" organizations that do nothing to help the underlying economies.