Secrets and Hints: Edition #1

The Bible talks about hints, but in different forms throughout the Bible. In a couple of passages, it talks about a mustard seed. I'll get to that shortly.

Hint (noun):

• An indirect, covert, or helpful suggestion; clue.
• A very slight or hardly noticeable amount.
• Perceived indication or suggestion; note; intimation.
• Synonyms: Allusion, insinuation, innuendo; memorandum, reminder; inkling.

Ephesians 5:1-7
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

-Now, if a hint is a hardly noticeable amount, and there shouldn't be a hint of greed, impurity, or sexual immorality. Also, it says "nor" in the following sentance, which to me implies that there should be a hint also for those following items. So no hints of greed, impurity, sexual immorality, obscene stuff, foolish talk, and coarse joking. No immoral, impure of greedy people have anything to do with God's kingdom. Interesting?

Let's just start with no hints or noticeable amounts of greed. What is greed?

Greed (noun):

• Excessive or rapacious desire, esp. for wealth or possessions.
• An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

Greed can come in many forms. Greed could be a desire for fame, fortune, praise, and knowledge. I would think that the normal form of greed is of money and material possessions. I struggle greatly with greed. I didn't realize I did until recently. I guess that comes with having a sales carrier. You get driven by money... and you think about how to take care of customers, acquire customers, and service customers... and how to develop programs to build a stronger customer base... and before you know it, you are thinking about staying up at night to help develop a database so that you can work the following morning.