Then Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (NLT) - Luke 12:15 Greed is so difficult to identify in ourselves, yet so easy to call out in others. This verse is most powerful when we apply it to our own selves. When you feel an impulsive thought to take advantage of a situation for your gain, take a moment. Think through your actions thoroughly and look at who loses with your gain. Will your action bring you closer to God or further away from depending on Him?
How do we overcome greed, our human nature is to serve self. Paul says in Philippians 2:4 - do not only look out for your own interest but for the interest of others too. One way of overcoming greed (self interest) is to culture a habit of giving. I am not talking of giving to the church only, church is only one channel. Give to less fortunate people, give to your parents and even help out NPOs. Decide once a week you are going to do something good to someone else. Do more than what is excepted from you at work. The bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive Acts 20:35. When you give you break the power of greed and that impulse to take advantage of situations and people.
