Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14-16
“The Bible has many stories of envy and greed. Joseph’s brothers were envious of him because of their father’s favoritism and in greed sold him into slavery. King Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and allowed Queen Jezebel to plot Naboth’s death and seize his land. Judas driven by greed, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Ananias and Sapphira harbored greed in their hearts, secretly withholding from God’s work part of the money they had received from a sale of land.
In every instance, envy and greed proved to be destructive… Joseph’s brothers lived in fear once their treachery was revealed; King Ahab died in battle and the dogs licked up his blood; Judas committed suicide; Ananias and Sapphira fell dead. The Bible warns, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). Envy and greed always — always — exact a terrible price. I have never met an envious or greedy person who was at peace.
Envy and greed aren’t identical, but they are closely related. When we envy someone, we easily become obsessed with getting what they have. Envy and greed often focus on money, but we can also be greedy for other things, such as beauty, status, possessions, fame, or power. The Bible sees greed as a form of idolatry, because the greedy person worships things instead of God. Greed and envy have their roots in selfishness, driving us into madly pursuing what we don’t have.”
Billy Graham in The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2006) 172.
Today marks my last full day in the Philippines. The meetings in Manila, Puerto Princesa (pictured above), Bacalod, and Davao have far exceeded my expectations. God has raised up Angelito “Anjji” Gabriel to lead CCTA and rallied many ministry administrators and financial professionals to join him in championing standards for the faithful administration of God’s work in churches and ministries across this beautiful country.
Why do this? A leading hindrance to generosity is financial corruption. Sadly, today in Holy Week marks the day Judas betrayed Jesus out of envy and greed. Money had become his greatest treasure. While he got what he wanted, thirty pieces of silver, that desire destroyed him. Sadly, it’s still destroying people today.
What about you? Are you at peace this Holy Week? Take time today to ask God if anything in your life has become more important than Him. Lay that at the foot of the cross and find peace.