Wednesday 9 June, 2021

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 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. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

For more than a year now this Covid Pandemic has revealed many outbursts of greed.  From the stripping of shelves in a supermarket, to the news showing women physically fighting over toilet paper, to the wealthy nations “buying” up all the vaccines in the world.  Greed is alive and well in our “civilised” western lives.

At times it is difficult not to become like others – particularly when you have a family to feed, or you can’t imagine what it would look like to run out of toilet paper!!  We can justify it, but what does God say.  A greedy person is an idolater.  We may not worship statues or “idols” of gods, however our very lifestyle and expectations, at times, has become our god.

Has your worst experience over this year been that we haven’t had an overseas trip?  Or our holidays were required to be spent at home!!  Or maybe dinner wasn’t exactly what we wanted!

We are currently watching India, Nepal and this region of the world become a Covid disaster zone.  The reports from this region are catastrophic and will have ramifications for years to come.  I am so glad that our nation is taking over plane loads of supplies to assist with other nations joining in the efforts also.

God’s Kingdom is always about GIVING before RECEIVING.   My prayer is that in this giving may our (nation) hardness of heart, break, and may we see all people as “children that Jesus’ loves”.

Lord Jesus we lift to you these people of these nations who are suffering, bring your comfort and grace to them.  Reveal yourself to them in these difficult times and bring your peace.  Help us Lord to purge from our hearts, our greed.  Help us to be generous and willingly give our time, our money, our lives as you did Jesus for us.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta