To grow & prosper vs. greed?

[steve-in-kville]

I was trying to think of a simple way to explain greed to young children and soon realized that I myself didn't have a grasp on the issue.

So I got thinking of an issue we used to have years ago at the supper table. I remember my wife made hotdogs for supper one day, which was (and still is) a family favorite. The boys (as boys are) had already scarfed more than their share of hotdogs. I was happy with just one.

Left on the plate was one lonely hotdog left, and I could see my oldest three boys chewing and swallowing as fast possible to get that last dog. Both my wife and I took note of this, so I solved the problem and took the last hotdog for myself, just to prove a point and possibly teach a lesson.

So, would greed be wanting something we really don't need, but don't want to see someone else have? Is it more than that? How to we balance financial growth both personally and in business?

Look forward to reading any comments on this.

[Soloist]

So… you got to be the greedy one?

[RZehr]

So… you got to be the greedy one?

Leading by example is always best!

[Grace]

Definition of "greed" is "intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food".

When it comes to money, I often wondered where the line is between saving for the future, and being greedy.

[steve-in-kville]

So… you got to be the greedy one?

Leading by example is always best!

More like putting an end to the chance of someone chocking on a hotdog due to greed. I was the hero in that situation

[Ken]

I don't think it is so much about thresholds of wealth as motivation.

There isn't some limit to wealth or possessions where one goes from prudent to greedy. Wealth is an arbitrary criteria.

I think it is more about motivation. Are your actions and life motivated by greed or by other more altruistic reasons?

Do I choose to work late to earn extra overtime or come home to spend time with my family?
Do I choose X career which pays less but is about helping people? Or do I choose Y career which is mainly about earning lots of money?
Am I generous or stingy with my time and resources when others are in need?

And so forth.

[RZehr]

So… you got to be the greedy one?

Leading by example is always best!

More like putting an end to the chance of someone chocking on a hotdog due to greed. I was the hero in that situation

It is very admirable of you to willingly sacrifice yourself in that way! See what I mean about leading by example?

[ohio jones]

Definition of "greed" is "intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food".

When it comes to money, I often wondered where the line is between saving for the future, and being greedy.

The question to ask would be "Is this need or greed?"

[steve-in-kville]

Definition of "greed" is "intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food".

When it comes to money, I often wondered where the line is between saving for the future, and being greedy.

The question to ask would be "Is this need or greed?"

Very good question we all need to ask ourselves.

I never wanted to be dripping with money. Comfortable, yes. I wanted to be able to help my children when I could, be able to give more than 10% in tithes, and help out some other ministries and organizations on my own dime.

I guess that picture looks different to all of us.