A Max Minute

In chapter five, Max Lucado discusses greed. He is basically coming at the subject from the perspective of how we should choose a vocation that suits our unique design, but when I read the chapter, I found where Lucado's thoughts could be applied in other areas of my life. From the outset he quotes 1Peter 5:6 from The Message translation:

Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is upon you; He'll promote you at the right time.

And now for some interesting quotes:

Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best.

And where do you think the first parable in the Bible is located? Take a peek at Judges 9:5-18. That's right! Judges! It is basically, says Lucado, a warning against greed-driven promotion. Therefore, greed makes a poor job counselor. Because in a desire to be great, one might cease being good. For me, this was the most interesting part of the chapter:

Greed comes in many forms. Greed for approval. Greed for applause. Greed for status. Greed for the best office, the fastest car, the prettiest date. Greed has many faces, but speaks one language: the language of more. Epicurus noted, 'Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little.'

Here is how Lucado finishes up this chapter and the first section of the book:

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life."(Prov 13:7 - The Message)

Lucado's final words: Pursue the virtue of contentment. "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Tim 6:6) When choosing or changing jobs, be careful. Consult your design. Consult your Designer. But never consult your greed.