The Bible encourages us to seek God’s wisdom and will before taking action. Proverbs advises us to trust in the Lord and seek his guidance in all things. Praying before acting demonstrates a reliance on God, not just our own understanding, and while the Bible calls for persistent prayer, it also emphasizes that prayer should lead to action and not be a substitute for it.
It’s a great practice to pray before we act as there are always consequences to our actions. Making a choice for instant gratification can lead to long-term misery. God promised to supply our needs, not our greed. If you go into debt by purchasing things you want instead of things you need, don’t expect God to bail you out.
To ensure that you are making the right decisions, ask God for guidance. He will direct your steps as you travel through life because he is responsible to those who look to him for direction.
The Bible’s story of Adam and Eve is a great example for us to follow. God told Adam and Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit, but they were persuaded that God really didn’t mean it. They thought that they could do otherwise, and the result of their action against God’s will was a negative outcome. The Bible teaches us: “Don’t be greedy for the things of this life, for greed is a form of idolatry.” So, instead of craving things you don’t need, enjoy the things you have.
The Bible portrays greed as a wrongful desire for unjust gain and an excessive, selfish longing for more than what is needed. This can easily lead to spiritual ruin, destruction, and conflict. It states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil and equates greed with idolatry, as it involves putting confidence in riches rather than God.
We should be encouraged by being content with what God has given us. True riches and a secure foundation are found in storing up treasures for the future by doing good work, being generous, and sharing. The command is “to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Pray before acting for the best outcome in your life. Be Blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
