Greed.

It is the never satisfied black hole of wanting.

It devours people like a lion devours prey.

Most of the time we do not give much thought to our greed. Our society so often portrays the idea that more is better. The media is littered with advertisements and messages about how you, the viewer, need some specific product to be happy or healthy. People are always striving for more. We go on a shopping trip to satisfy our momentary longing and in the end, our closets burst at the seams and our cupboards are filled to the brim. Yet soon after, we find ourselves longing for that new outfit, new snack item and that new smart phone. More. More. More.

Meanwhile…

Someone looks into their almost empty closest looking for a coat or sweater to keep them warm…but to no avail. Children somewhere own only the clothes on their backs. Someone is worrying about how they will afford food to feed themselves and their family. The cupboards, if they even exist, are bare.

It’s an uncomfortable thought. It’s especially uncomfortable when you remember how in the Bible, Jesus tells us to give to the poor. (And He isn’t talking about a few cans of food or a few bucks here and there although those cans and dollars sure can add up and help).

I’ve always struggled with greed and selfishness. I suppose it’s a part of being human. Still, it’s one of the things I hate most about myself.

More than likely, if you are reading this, you live in a house, have a computer, have Internet access, and probably much more. Heat? Food in the fridge and cupboards? Phone? Books? Extra clothes in your closet? Shoes? Toiletries?

Thought so. And yet, if you are like me, you still have a list of wants a mile long.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this Thanksgiving, let’s keep the thankfulness going. We shouldn’t just be thankful for one Thursday a year. We are blessed with many more things than we need. With the Christmas shopping season already underway and Black Friday right around the corner, let’s remember those that have less. Our shopping trip may satisfy our temporary longings but the only One that can truly satisfy the wants of our hearts is God. I’m not saying it’s bad to have nice things but selfishly focusing getting more of those things all the time is. Greed and a good relationship with God aren’t compatible. Which one will you pick?