More Than Just Stuff: A Discussion on Justice, Greed, and Jesus' Teachings
For my friends familiar with the Enneagram—I’m a 1w2. If you remember the Myers-Briggs test, I’m an INTJ.
For those of you who have no idea what that means, let me break it down: my personality is wired to be a staunch advocate for justice and fairness.
Even when it works against me, I will still fight for justice because few things irritate me more than injustice.
Like, I will argue over the smallest things just to make sure fairness is upheld:
If we split something and I got more, I’ll make sure you get the extra.
If we divide a bill, I’ll pay my exact share instead of just halving it.
If someone treats you unfairly, I’ll speak up on your behalf.
It’s in my DNA to fight for what’s right.
Because of this, I struggle immensely with how people handle inheritances—even when it doesn’t personally affect me.
When I hear stories of long-lost relatives showing up to claim a share of an inheritance despite years of absence, I get righteously angry.
Legitimately angry.
Even though it has zero bearing on my life.
Why? Because it’s not fair. Justice isn’t being served.
I’ve been fortunate not to experience this firsthand with those closest to me. But if I ever do, let’s just say I might need some extra time with Jesus to keep my mouth shut.
And what truly baffles me? How some people turn a blind eye to these situations.
A Biblical Take on Inheritance Disputes
I think this is why I resonate so much with the man in Luke 12 who asks Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute. Here’s how Luke describes the moment:
Just then someone spoke up from the crowd and said, “Master, you should compel my older brother to divide the family inheritance and give me my fair share!”
Jesus answered, “My friend, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
Speaking to the people, Jesus continued, “Be alert and guard your heart from greed and from always wishing for what you don’t have. For your life can never be measured by the amount of things you possess.” (Luke 12:13-15 TPT)
I get this guy. I understand why he wanted his fair share. But Jesus’ response is a heart check for all of us.
Even though my drive for justice is (hopefully) pure, Jesus’ warning here makes me pause. Am I truly fighting for fairness, or is there something deeper—something selfish—lurking beneath the surface?
Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash
I actually appreciate that Jesus doesn’t speak in parables here. He gets straight to the point:
“Be alert and guard your heart from greed and from always wishing for what you don’t have.”
We all know people who are never satisfied—always chasing the next big thing, always trying to outdo the Joneses.
I don’t handle those folks well.
Frankly, I find them exhausting.
Have you ever been around a hoarder? Or what I call a pseudo-hoarder—someone who constantly collects more and more, even though they don’t have space for what they already own?
They’re always after the next deal, the newer version, the latest upgrade. And before long, their life is overrun by stuff.
Jesus warns against this mindset. He reminds us that our worth isn’t measured by our possessions.
But in today’s world, that’s so easy to forget.
We live in a culture of instant gratification. With just a few clicks, we can have anything delivered to our doorstep. It’s dangerously easy to overindulge, to use things to fill emotional voids, to let material wealth define our success.
Jesus is crystal clear: greed isn’t just about wanting more—it’s about letting our desire for more define us.
A Heart Check for Us All
I totally relate to the guy in Luke 12 who wanted justice in his inheritance. But I also hear Jesus’ warning loud and clear: there’s a fine line between seeking fairness and acting out of greed.
And if we’re being honest? We’ve all been guilty of greed at some point. We’ve all envied what someone else has.
So, here’s my challenge for you: do a heart check. Ask yourself where your worth is coming from.
One practical way to do this? Track your spending for a month. Seriously. It’s eye-opening. You’ll quickly see where your priorities lie.
Friend, I know this is a tough topic. But my prayer for you this week is this: be aware. Guard your heart against greed. And remember that your worth is never found in what you own.
Photo by Luca Laurence on Unsplash
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever struggled with feelings of injustice when it comes to money or possessions? How did you handle it?
What’s one area of your life where you find yourself desiring more? How might Jesus' words challenge you in that area?
If you tracked your spending for a month, what do you think it would reveal about your priorities?
How can you practice contentment and generosity in your daily life?
Call to Action:
This week, take some time to reflect on where you’re placing your worth. If you feel led, try tracking your spending or decluttering an area of your home as a tangible way to reset your heart’s focus. And most importantly, spend time with Jesus—asking Him to help you guard your heart against greed and embrace the true riches found in Him.
