For The Love of Money

AMagill

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 9-11; 1 Timothy 6

I remember hearing when I was growing up that money was the root of all evil. You hear it in movies and music and all kinds of media. It’s one of those catch phrases that has latched itself onto certain elements of our culture.

But if you read carefully, the origin of it is slightly, but significantly, different.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

It is not money that is evil. Money is at most an idea, a store of value, an object without a consciousness or soul. But the love of money is an entirely different thing. Many of us have allowed money to take us down hazardous paths, and a few of us went down paths of no return.

But really money is not so different from anything else that we give value. No matter what it is; whether it be a person, place or thing, it can consume and destroy your life if you allow it to rule you.

This is why the commandment that we are supposed to love God above all else is such a powerful one. If we have God as number one then nothing lesser can rule our lives. We will stay fixed on the path that is ideal for our lives, the path that will yield the greatest good for us and those around us.

So remember, money is nothing to be scared of. It can be a great tool that will help you along the purpose that God has for you. But if you allow the pursuit of it to become the ruler of your life then watch out.

No matter how high you think you will rise, you will eventually fall.