Introduction: The sin of Achan
Greed is not of God, but rather a trait of the evil one. After God brought down the walls of Jericho, He instructed that the entire city of Jericho be destroyed apart from Rahab, because she helped the spies live. But Achan did not heed the direction from the Lord.
’But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.’ Joshua 6:18
‘But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.’ Joshua 7:1
Achan took some of the items that were pleasing to his eyes. A repeat of Eve. When confronted by Joshua, who had earlier sought the Lord for he did not understand why after such an amazing display of power by God in Jericho, at Ai, 36 of them died from enemy hands. Following prayer, God revealed the cause – sin in the camp caused God’s favour in battle to depart. ‘Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.’ Joshua 7:11
Joshua confronted Achan and Achan swiftly confessed. ‘And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”’ Joshua 7:20-21
Achan was stoned to death for taking something beautiful but forbidden by the Lord.
Definition of greed
According to The Cambridge dictionary, greed is defined as ‘a very strong wish to continuously get more of something, especially food or money.’
Greed is concerned with excess, when God directs us to be content with the things His has blessed us with. Greed is usually attached to further negative qualities, such as lying and deception and lust. Greed can have grave consequences as we read above, Achan was killed.
There are some things to know about greed:
- Greed is not godly.
- Greed corrupts.
- Greed clouds good judgement.
- The world says greed is good. God says it’s not.
- Greed is opposite of selfish control – it shows no restraint.
- Greed is one of the traits behind bribes, being hungry for power, money and influence.
- Greed makes one lie, exalt onesself.
- Greed isn’t grateful rather its dissatisfied and constantly wants more.
Remember
Greed can operate quietly within a person, but it is has am intense desire. Analyse yourself today, is there an area in your life where greed is threatening to overtake you? Especially as people of God, we have to be patient, content, and wait upon the Lord to give us the good things we desire. The enemy was greedy and conveted God’s position, causing many to fall alongside him. Lust is linked to greed, as well as pride and a sense of entitlement. Christians must not be greedy. Men of God must not be filled with greed. People of God must seek to be satisfied and content.
Further study
Greed is heavily linked to taking items not belonging to the person and lying.
Study: 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 2:22-36
Read about Eli the Priest and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas and their greed.
Look at the subheading to this chapter.
What did Eli’s sons deep greed or avarice lead to?
What were the consequences in 1 Samuel 4?
Read about Gehazi and Namaan in 2 Kings 5:15-27
What does this passage teach you about greed?
What where the consequences for Gehazi?
Scriptures on greed
‘nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.’ 1 Corinthians 6:10
‘For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.’ 1 John 2:16
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Matthew 23:25
‘For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.’ Psalm 10:3
‘Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.’ Proverbs 1:19
‘For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.’ Titus 1:7
Let’s pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for this stark reminder about the sin of greed. Lord examine my heart today. May no element of greed reside in me, rather keep my heart content and soft for You. May I not covet, may I not lust over the things which aren’t mine. Father God, I trust You for the things I need and not yet have. Patiently, I will wait upon You, O Lord my Rock. Help me daily exhibit the fruit of the Spirit and guide me in Your truth. I declare I am content with what You have blessed me with, and I continue to fall on my knees to ask You for the things I need and that of those around me. I will do this knowing You are faithful to answer, and provide at the appointed time. Thank you that You have graciously giving me all things pertaining to life and godliness. You are truly merciful and good to me. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
By Pelena Cosme
