Liberation From Your Limitations – Part Three

Exodus 14: 26 – 31

“and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore.”

Freed from Egyptian slavery the Israelites walked through the parted waters to freedom by God’s grace. The waters closed against the Egyptians and left their dead bodies on the shore. As they were miraculously set free from bondage you can be set free from habits that enslave you.

What bad habit do you desire to break? There is one you may not have recognized as a bad habit. It is greed. Of it the Scripture says: “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Greed is a cruel master that subtly enslaves us, it holds us captive.  It is a bondage that can be and needs to be broken.

Driven by greed we have little time for spiritual things. We have greed for possessions, prestige, and power. This governs our outlook, attitude, schedule, and commitment. It structures our priorities. Greed is an all-consuming sentry which forms a material wall in which to hold us captive from the freedom Jesus affords. Greed has nothing to do with how much you have but with your attitude toward it. It relates to what has you. Insecure people have what others approve of. A confident person isn’t dependent upon things or reliant upon persons. They are at peace with God and at ease with self. Take the greed test.

When you see a beautiful flower do you want to pick it?

When you hear a lovely bird do you want to cage it?

When you notice an attractive person do you want to possess them?

When you see what a friend has, do you always want one?

Are you basically discontent with what you have and jealous of what others have?

Reflect:

“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house…” (Proverbs 15:27).

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Tim. 6:6).

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

The byword of a greedy person is, “More is better, but more is never enough.”

If you are materialistic, admit it to God and ask His help in breaking the bond.

Question yourself regarding how greed expresses itself in your life. Set an example of greed related to some matter as a starting point. Take direct action in overcoming this one act. Once you have done so you have a new pattern of action.

Engage God in dealing with this enslaving out. “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (I John 5:4).