by Carey Nieuwhof
This post first appeared on Orange Parents blog.
Hi. My name is Carey, and I’m greedy. (This is the point where you all say, “Hi Carey.”)
Gosh, I hate to say it. I mean no one goes around and says they’re greedy, right? We might think other people are greedy (it’s just so easy to spot the sins of others, even from a distance), but it’s so difficult to see in ourselves.
But read this definition of greed and tell me if at least a piece of it doesn’t own you—or your kids.
Greed is an excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.
What makes this time of year difficult for greedy people is that we’re going to add to the pile of what we have that we arguably don’t need. There are things I want that I don’t need. And most of us are actually going to receive things that not only do we not need, but we do not want. In the incredibly affluent culture of North America, the problem of greed runs deep.
There’s a fine line we tread as parents in helping our kids celebrate Christmas. I still remember the almost delirious excitement I had as a child in being able to open gifts at Christmas. Let’s face it, what kid doesn’t love to get gifts at Christmas?
So, how do you make sure, as a parent, that you don’t inadvertently fuel greed in your family this Christmas?
I suppose there are a few options:
- Don’t give presents.
- Hand out coal.
- Read from Deuteronomy and pretend it’s February.
But those are almost certain recipes to kill some of the joy that comes with Christmas.
In my experience, the very best antidote to greed I’ve discovered is generosity. The more I give, the deeper I cut into the greed that lives inside of me.
The more I am willing to take giving to a sacrificial level (to the point where we are not doing things as a family because we are giving income away), the more I am reminded that this life is not about me or about my wants and desire. By far, generous giving is the best antidote to the greed that lives inside of me.
As Christmas approaches, ask yourself this question: what am I doing to stem greed in my family this Christmas? Maybe you could:
- Sponsor a family in need.
- Serve in a local mission over the holidays.
- Talk to your kids about how you as a family have decided to give first, save second, and live on the rest.
- Make sure giving is part of your full year—your weekly practice—rather than just a seasonal pursuit.
- Work with your kids to incorporate giving as part of their regular rhythm in 2012.
All I know is this: I’m greedy. And the best way I know to tackle that in my life is to give away a noticeable portion of the things that God has given me.
What helps you wrestle down greed in your life and in your family?
Carey is the lead and founding pastor of Connexus Community Church and has been serving in ministry since 1995. He is the primary communicator on Sunday mornings, and one of his key passions is to see people’s lives changed as they encounter Christ. He and his wife, Toni, live north of Barrie with their two sons. You’ll hear Carey say that his family outshines him in skiing, mountain biking, hiking, water skiing and more, but he does everything he can to keep up with them! Carey might also be one of the funniest people we know. Check out Carey’s personal blog at www.CareyNieuwhof.com
