IT happened that a Dog had got a piece of meat and was carrying it home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he had to cross a plank lying across a running brook. As he crossed, he looked down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water beneath. Thinking it was another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also. So he made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he opened his mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen more. “BEWARE LEST YOU LOSE THE SUBSTANCE BY GRASPING AT THE SHADOW.” (Reference: Aesop’s Fables)
The Bible counsels us to be aware (take heed) and beware of greed (or covetousness) (Luke 12:15) and instructs us to be content in whatever state we are (Philippians 4:11). Unfortunately, the norm with the world is to seek out for more than what one needs and the creed for greed is the four letter word — more. Lucifer was puffed up with pride and coveted to be above God. Even though God had created him to be perfect in beauty and full of wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12), he wanted more and tried to grasp God’s position, thereby losing the position that he possessed. Let us learn to be content with ourselves as God has made us and with what God has given us, lest we grasp after the ephemeral shadows of this world and lose our substance.
Luke 12:15 (KJV)
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Philippians 4:11-13 (KJV)
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
