For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:5 NIV
How should God’s holy people live? Paul gives us some examples of how not to live, including this particular verse. And then he goes on to instruct us to live as children of the light.
But what I find the most interesting, and challenging, in this passage has to do with what he has to say about greed. Paul identifies greed as a form of idolatry. Greed is a desire for more and better. Never having enough to be satisfied. I live in an affluent society. Yet we are bombarded by advertising that tells us we really need more and better to be truly happy. Essentially glorifying greed. And all too often, even as believers, we buy into that lie.
But greed is a deadly enemy. It draws our attention away from our Lord. Turning our eyes, and our hearts, to the things of this world. And that is why Paul identifies greed as a form of idolatry. An idol is anything that takes God’s place in our hearts. Anything that takes our eyes off of the Lord becomes an idol for me.
Struggling with Greed
I do not believe that we are all called to live in poverty. But we should be content with what we have and be willing to share with others. But if I am always wanting more, and am unwilling to share with others in need, then I am guilty of idolatry. I have allowed my physical possessions to become idols.
I will be the first to confess that I struggle with this. There is a real appeal to accumulate more and better. And to hold tightly to what I have. Learning to be content with my physical possessions, and keeping my eyes focused on Christ takes a daily effort. But it is well worth the effort.