The above text is the only place in Scripture that talks about being “experts in greed.” The context of this Scripture is a discussion about false teachers. The apostle Peter provided more than twenty-five characteristics of false teachers, including being experts in greed.
The word translated expert in the NIV is the Greek word gumnazo, which means “to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind.” This suggests that expertise in greed is a developed behavior—something we learn by practice.
Given the depraved state of human beings and the obsession with money in today's culture, I think it is fair to say there is a propensity in all of us to become experts in greed. All we have to do is practice.
In my experience the following practices are very common.
- Working primarily to make money and to retire as soon as possible (Luke 12:13–21) instead of working out of obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
- Desiring wealth to support self-defined kingdom causes instead of focusing on obedience to God in discerning what to support (Matthew 6:33).
- Denominating success in terms of dollars instead of obedience (John 17:4).
- Living like a consumer instead of a steward (1 Corinthians 4:7).
- Accumulating too much debt (Proverbs 22:7).
- Allowing the perceived lack of money to block investing in spiritual food (Matthew 4:4).
The above list is simply illustrative; it is not exhaustive. The purpose of these examples is to warn us that the practice of one or more of the above (or other similar traits) will serve to develop an expertise in greed.
Today many people do not view greed as a problem. They would agree with the comment that “greed is good,” as proclaimed by the fictional character Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street. Scripture makes it clear, however, that greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5). Furthermore, Scripture states: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Luke 16:13 NIV). Therefore developing an expertise in greed is not good; it is counterproductive to oppose God and ultimately fall under judgment.
Here is your business tip. Scripture is clear that idolatry will not be blessed and greedy people will be judged. Many times in the process of the administration of divine judgment there will be collateral damage. To protect your organization, be proactive about identifying greed in workers. As much as is possible, do not contribute to or support their greed development. As part of your hiring, reviewing, and promoting process, add a greed assessment. Be vigilant about identifying greedy practices. If a person is greedy in his or her personal life, he or she will be greedy in the workplace. Align your organizational policies and practices with righteousness and challenge your workers to do the same. If you have experts in greed in your organization whom you cannot remediate, you must consider releasing them or you will expose your organization to the collateral damage associated with their judgment—God's response to their sin.
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