THE HAZARDS OF GREED
THE HAZARDS OF GREED
Barely two weeks ago, a petrol tanker burst into flames on a very busy motor way in Lagos, a south western state in Nigeria. This unfortunate incident happened on a Thursday evening during the rush hour traffic when most of the road users were commuters heading home after a day at work. The tanker involved was a large truck the kind that is fairly difficult to drive because of it’s high centre of gravity.
However, according to one of the reports that was released after preliminary investigations were carried out, it was discovered that the truck was carrying more than it normally should. So let’s add that to the fact that this is already a large truck that is not easy to navigate. What then happened was that the brakes of the said “Nineteen year old” truck had failed and the driver began to roll back down hill where there were cars in traffic lined up bumper to bumper. As this happened the highly inflammable contents of premium motor spirit began to spill over. Possibly coupled with sparks flying from the uncontrollable banging of the truck against the concrete culvert as the driver struggled to bring the truck to a halt, an explosion occurred and the ensuing carnage is just best imagined. It was an absolutely horrifying spectacle to behold as videos went viral. Lives were lost. Property was lost. It was a sad day indeed.
Going by the report that this truck was carrying more than it normally should, it can be concluded that the owners were probably trying to make the proceeds of two trips in one. But at what cost, to them and to others? Alas,… All and so much more was lost. Greed is a very terrible and destructive thing. And the saddest part is that it’s consequences are sometimes very far reaching and people who know nothing about a greedy person’s actions could suffer greatly for it. “Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live” Proverbs 15:27 NLT
There was a “greedy” man in the bible. His name was Gehazi. He was a helper to the great prophet Elisha. After the leprosy of Naaman, a Syrian Army General had been cured, Gehazi went behind his master Elisha to collect some “juicy” spoil which his master had earlier rejected. This is what happened to him. “Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.” 2 Kings 5: 27 NLT The effects of Gehazi’s greed went way beyond him.
The sons of Eli the priest were so greedy they were “fattening themselves on the choice parts of every offering made by the Israelites” and committing all kinds of abominable sins. This greatly displeased the Lord, so much so that He cursed their lineage. A lineage that God himself had promised would minister before Him forever became accursed because of the greed and misconduct of Eli and his two sons Hophni and Phinehas. (1 Samuel 2)
We all know the story of Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for a few pieces of silver. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” Matthew 26:14 -15 KJV
But by the time Judas Iscariot realised what his greed had led him to do it was too late. Hear what he said: “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Matthew 27:4 NLT Eventually he hung himself. A greedy person has the ability to self destruct.
The word of God says “Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money it robs them of life” Proverbs 1:19 NLT
Greed will eventually destroy the greedy one and others around them. Therefore let us beware and aspire to live contented lives. Whether we believe it or not ” WE CAN NOT HAVE IT ALL”! So we need not kill ourselves and others while trying to acquire the whole earth.
A word, they say, is enough for the wise.
Let us now be wise in taking decisions; thinking of how they will affect our children, grandchildren and their own offspring in turn.
STAY AWAY FROM GREED; IT DESTROYS!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©