Spiritual Warfare: 'Greed for Things Is Idolatry in God’s Sight'

God's Power for Our Battles — Friday, January 30, 2026

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
— Colossians 3:5b NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, it is so tempting to focus on acquiring more and more in this world. Desires for money, security, possessions, and positions overwhelm me and cloud my vision each and every day. I truly want to please You and learn to be satisfied with what You provide instead of what the world is telling me I need. Forgive me for being greedy and focusing on power, pride, and laying up a nest egg more than focusing on enlarging Your kingdom. Deliver me from greed, and remind me that greed is a modern form of idolatry. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

Avoid Sexual Immorality and All Impurity
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be....."
Colossians 3:5
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
No Distinctions
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Let me live in the light of your truth about myself - that my old nature has been put off, with its baggage of practices, and that I..."
Moments of Decision
Article by Phil Ware
What will we do when the choice is ours and the moment comes? Phil Ware continues his series connected to The Story, this week from Chapter 3, focusing on Joseph and his temptation with Potiphar's wife.
See All 7 Related Resources about Colossians 3:5

Illustration

Illustration of Colossians 3:5b NLT — So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 30, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Guess Who Came to the Wedding' (Jn. 2:1-2)
"The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Wisely Invested Treasures'
"Dear Precious One, Are you worried about finances? Retirement? Funding college? Too little money at the end of too long a month? Or paying off your....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Walking in the Spirit' (Ro. 8:1-8)
"Dear Father, Thank you that there is no condemnation for me now that I am in Christ Jesus. Through the principle of the Spirit of life in him I have...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Blaspheming the Holy Spirit' (Mk. 3:28-30)
"[Jesus said,] "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never....."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare