The Consequences Of Greed - Joel And Abijah

As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.

1 Samuel 8:1-3

The classic movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a great adventure story about three men on a gold-mining expedition in Mexico. Like so many classics, it is also a great study in human nature—in this case, about how greed can destroy friendships, ruin lives, and lead to senseless death.

The Bible repeatedly warns believers not to fall into the trap of greed and its evil twin, the love of money. Yet greed remains among the top sins most likely to tempt followers of Jesus Christ.

Samuel’s sons Joel and Abijah show the far-reaching consequences of loving money more than God. The prophet Samuel had appointed his boys as judges over the nation of Israel, but these corrupt and greedy men “accepted bribes and perverted justice.” By choosing such a path, they brought dishonor on themselves, their father, and God, and they disqualified themselves from further service.

Joel’s and Abijah’s evil behavior also hastened the end of the era of the judges and prompted Israel to take another step of national rebellion. In their outrage over the sinful acts of these men, the Hebrew people demanded that Samuel appoint a king to rule over them instead of relying on their heavenly King, the Lord of hosts.

God placed Joel and Abijah in a position where they could have served God well. When they rejected contentment in favor of greed, they failed God and his people. God has also placed you in a position where you can serve him well. As you look at your life, does contentment or greed dominate?

You can defeat greed by being content with what God has given you and by freely choosing to serve God and others. Ask yourself, Do I think I’d be happier if only I had more stuff? How much time do I spend praising God for what he has already given me?