Consider the difference…
Every person has basic needs. People need shelter, food, love, clothing, health, happiness, etc. So, how does a person draw the line between needy and greedy? The answer is found in the appetites of the heart. If the Holy Spirit lives within the human heart, love exalts the interests and needs of others above itself.
On the other hand, the carnal heart is assertive, self seeking, always putting self first. The carnal heart resists authority, it wants to be in charge, like God. The carnal heart is afraid of two things, the truth and the future. Preferring darkness over the searching light of truth, the carnal heart always puts a spin on its actions, justifying its gross behavior. The carnal heart is also afraid of the future. The carnal heart justifies today’s greed to insure the survival of self in days to come.
Because everyone on Earth has a carnal heart, everyone on Earth has a natural propensity for greed.
The spiritual heart realizes that loving and obeying God must be higher than any consequences. (Matthew 22:37,38)
Therefore, the law of God must be exalted first and foremost.
The spiritual heart knows that concern for our neighbors is as important in God’s sight as taking care of ourselves. (Matthew 22:39,40)
We are our brother’s keepers.
The spiritual heart recognizes that facing the truth with a contrite heart, although sometimes painful, is the only way to please God. (Isaiah 66:2)
The spiritual heart is not afraid of the future, since God is already in the future and sustains all forms of life by His mighty power. (Isaiah 41:10)
The spiritual heart does not seek first place, but instead puts the needs of others first.
The spiritual heart does not revel in the momentary applause of men, but focuses its desires on the eternal approval of God.
The spiritual heart is more concerned with what is right than with its rights.
Solomon said, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." (Proverbs 23:4,5)
Jesus also encouraged us with words of comfort: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:31-34)
A great unseen war is waging and the prize is to take possession of every soul.
The devil and his forces have intensely studied us and are highly skilled at influencing people toward selfish, evil and idolatrous behavior.
In our passionate reach for money, power, pleasure and possessions, millions are defying the commands of God.
This is serious. Idolaters do not know they are idolaters unless the Holy Spirit can penetrate our carnal heart and reveal it.
It is imperative that we seek the Lord as we study His Word, asking Him if there is anything in our lives that stands in the way of total submission to His will.
Listen for His response.
We can be sure that when Jesus appears at the Second Coming, He will be like a roaring lion to idolaters and a gentle lamb to His followers.
Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13,14)
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