Often times I find myself trying to derive new ways of increasing my income and I feel greedy. I think of starting a business, creating side jobs, investing, and getting additional certifications. You name it, I’ve thought it, and probably researched it too. Is wanting to do better in the world for my family and myself greed? The definition of greed is an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. By this definition wanting more for myself, my own selfish gain, is greed, but wanting it for my family is not. I have dreams to send my son to college, and for my fiancé and I to retire financially secure so we won’t be a burden on our children’s families. So I’m selfish. I want things for myself and at times I can be greedy, but how does one combat greed?

When I think about my life and greed, I think about how generous God is. He gives His children more than they could possibly ask for. Without God my life would not exist. The simple pleasures of having a family, raising my son, enjoying the outdoors, and laughing with friends and family, none of it would exist without God. I’m in  good health, and am capable of doing anything I set my mind too. I have skills sets, innate talents and natural abilities that make me uniquely me and God calls me, as He does everybody, to make the most of what He’s created us to already be; to make the most of our talents, passions, and dreams. Living up to my highest standard does not make me or anyone else selfish or greedy, as long as I remember the generous God that has empowered me to do so. When I remember His many and generous gifts such as empowerment, hope, love, life, and fidelity I can in turn pass them on to others. The opposite of greed is generosity. Today be marked by giving.