| “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 |
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| In GOD, not gold, we Love and Trust Knowing that the human heart is tempted to be greedy and so greedy to the level one will be in love with money, the Apostle Paul here in 1 Timothy 6 addresses the topic of money and in 1 Timothy 6:10 issues one of the strongest warnings regarding the LOVE OF MONEY. He tells us that the love of money creates (is the root of) the start of all kinds of evil as one is prone to compromise one’s integrity for gain. He tells just how DANGEROUS this DESIRE of money is as one will even compromise one’s FAITH as greediness takes such a stronghold on a person. Work takes priority over worship. The greediness for gold slowly but surely will bring about the exclusion of God. The mission of making money can cause one to miss the mission of the Master. The apostle then tells how it gets even worse as the priority for profit brings untold pain. The pain starts coming as one finds they are NEVER SATISFIED. There is no THIS IS ENOUGH. The priority to pursue more money pushes aside the pursuit of godliness. One’s health can be compromised as one goes for more wealth. Family and friendships take a back seat to the next acquisition. While gaining valuables one can lose what is most valuable. Let us be clear that money itself is not evil – but the LOVE of money can turn one to doing sinful practices. As you MAKE money from working, from investments, from inheritances received you are to MANAGE your money faithfully, correctly, and wisely. Above managing your money though is MASTERING money. You are to be the MASTER of your money and not the other way around. Think of it like fire. A fire in a fire pit or a fireplace is nice. It is even needed on cold days. But a fire outside its boundaries can be so disastrous, even deadly. Money mishandled and unmastered is disastrous! If you need a little help (maybe a lot of help) in breaking the grip of money I suggest two things: 1st, be clearly reminded of Jesus’ teaching on money from Luke 12:15 as Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses?” **How are you doing with this teaching? It definitely challenges conventional and popular thinking! 2nd, look at your money. It has a sermon on it. It says IN GOD WE TRUST. It does not say IN THIS god WE TRUST!!! Verse for the date of June 10 (6/10) is I Timothy 6:10. It says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Continue Strong loving and trusting God, not gold, And remember to DATE the Word PS – every now and then it is good to read 1 Timothy 6:6-11 to prioritize our pursuits |