Money Is Spiritual: Part 12 - Contentment vs. Greed
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Contentment is rooted in trust and satisfaction in God’s provision. It is the assurance that God will meet our needs and that what He has given is enough. On the other hand, greed, or pleonexia in Greek, means an insatiable craving for more. In the Old Testament, covetousness is often tied to the eye—what we see and long for (e.g., Eve in Genesis 3:6). This dissatisfied longing leads to other sins, such as lying, theft, and cheating, because it prioritizes earthly gain over God.
Greed is a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5) because it replaces God with a lust for material things, leaving us empty and restless. When dissatisfaction with God’s provision dominates our hearts, especially in the context of money, it brings sorrow rather than peace.
Paul teaches us the antidote to greed in Philippians 4:11-13: contentment. Whether he was in abundance or in need, Paul trusted God’s provision and found satisfaction in Christ, not in circumstances. Paul’s heart was fixed on eternal treasures, not temporary wealth, which allowed him to live a godly life. His secret? Contentment and Satisfaction in God’s provision gave him peace and freedom.
Golden Nugget:
Contentment Trusts God’s Provision: Trust that God will meet your needs.
Greed Leads to Idolatry: Guard your heart to avoid replacing God with the pursuit of material things
Eternal perspective: Focus on God’s kingdom over earthly wealth,
Prayer
Abba Father, teach me to be content and satisfied in You alone. Guard my heart against greed and help me trust that You will always provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
