Date:
October 11, 2023Secret Greed
Greed is a desire for more. More power, more pleasure, more money, more stuff. But the more greed in your life the more it robs you of peace, joy, and contentment.
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Fruit of the Spirit
How can we know if we’re really making progress in our spiritual walk? After all, the Bible offers no prescribed checklist of duties to perform that prove we’ve “arrived” as mature believers. But a list provided by Paul in Galatians 5:22–23 does offer proof both to ourselves and to those around us that the Spirit of God who dwells within us controls our thoughts and actions.
And that’s the catch. We can’t produce such fruit on our own—even with the most sincere effort. We can’t fake this fruit either. Rather, the fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural result of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Once we’re exhibiting the pure, holy fruit of the Spirit, the contrast is stark between those who are filled with the Spirit and those who obey the deeds of the flesh, as seen in Paul’s other list in verses 19-21! When we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, all the glory goes to God.
Four Types of Greed
Greed is covetousness. It’s an inordinate desire to acquire more and more. Greed is always in a hurry. It knows little of patience or integrity or appropriateness. It is seldom admitted and is often rationalized.
Integrity
In Hebrew, the word “integrity” means an unimpaired condition. Another word is “solid.” A person with integrity is not divided or devious.
Applying the Truth
While you can’t always control what happens, you can control your response. Your choice of attitude is the single most significant decision you can make on a daily basis. Positive responses develop patience, perseverance, and self-control.
Exposing the Dark Side
Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches from Genesis 6:5 and Psalm 51:1–5, explaining how the work of Jesus can move you from victim of failure to victor over sin! Find out how His regenerating work leads to lasting change.
Discovering Our Gifts
We all have special gifts and abilities from God. While it's good to venture out of our comfort zones, here's a humorous illustration of why we shouldn’t force people to go too far outside the area of their gifting.
When Adversity Leads to Humility
Pastor Chuck Swindoll contemplates the qualities and outcomes of a humble heart. Follow along in John 13:1–17 as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
Swapping Self-Pity With Courage
You may not be able to change your situation but you can change your response. The choice is yours. You can choose to wallow in self-pity, or you can respond to a disadvantage with courage.
Diligence
Are you a diligent type of person? Diligent people are disciplined, keen, alert, motivated, and have a continued stream of ideas and plans.
Variety
God loves variety. That’s why He made all kinds of people with different interests and abilities.
