“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT
You might have heard this quote, “Money is the root of all evil” and while it may be popular, it is not entirely true. The Bible expressly tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. So in a quest to prove a point, a crucial part of the initial statement is cut out by people, which is the “love” of money.
Money is an important resource in our everyday lives. With it we have the opportunity to meet our needs and wants. Money is also an important vehicle in purpose, with which we can sponsor the gospel, meet the needs of others and so on. So money in and of itself is not evil.
However, an important balance must be drawn. Money is an instrument but must never become our master. The pursuit of money should never become the sole purpose of our lives.
While Jesus was on earth, He spoke about money numerous times (Matthew 6:24-25, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 5:42). In Matthew 6:24, He made it clear that you cannot love God and love mammon, you must love one and despise the other. This points to the fact that money has a lot to do with our hearts. Money is a spiritual stethoscope that reveals the state of a man’s heart.
In salvation, you don’t just receive a new life in Christ but you also accept the lordship of Jesus in every aspect of your life. The influence of God in your heart should touch every aspect of your life including your attitude towards money.
An inordinate desire for money often leads to greed, and a greedy person will eventually lack discernment. Just like our anchor verse points out, a person who loves money will find himself doing despicable things if the opportunity presents itself.
Dear believer, do not violate your conscience because of money. You must create boundaries that you can never cross for money. Deciding to follow Jesus implies that you have chosen to value your convictions above the resources that you have. Nothing in this world is worth the exchange of your soul (Mark 8:36).
Money will always try to compete with the place of God in your heart, and it is your responsibility to let God take His rightful place. Therefore you must strive to always put money in its place. Your priorities should be seen in how you spend your money/resources. Put our money where your faith is, that is one way to know if Christ is truly your utmost treasure.
SAY THIS: I put money in its place. I love God and it shows in my attitude to money.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Chronicles 19-23