Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Titus 1:7
“For the law commanded them to abstain from every servile work, that is, from all grasping after wealth which is procured by trading and by other worldly business; but it exhorted them to attend to the exercises of the soul, which consist in reflection, and to addresses of a beneficial kind for their neighbors’ benefit.”
Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-c. 202) in Against Heresies Book IV 8.2.
The bishop of Lyons echos Paul’s words to Titus.
Stewards must not grasp after wealth but “attend to the exercises of the soul which consist of reflection” and to serve for the benefit of our neighbor.
When we are greedy for gain, our desire is to take from our neighbor.
But when we attend to the exercises of the soul, we realize, in Christ, we have everything we need, so rather than try to trade and take from others we can bless and benefit them.
Interesting that grasping for gain disqualifies a person from oversight in the church.
While the world celebrates this behavior, it does not contribute to flourishing and certainly does not belong in the church as it fails to bless our neighbors or bring them benefit.
What does this look like in your life? Would people say you pursue gain or generosity?