Don't Love it Too Much

Todays’ idiom brought a surprise. But first, the meaning of today’s expression, according to dictionary dot com, “all wrongdoing can be traced to an excessive attachment to material wealth”. Today’s idiom is “the love of money is the root of all evil”.

This common phrase comes from 1 Timothy 6:10 “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.” NKJV

Notice that the verse does not claim that money itself is evil, but rather the "love" or excessive attachment to money which can lead to various negative consequences and outcomes.

When people become overly obsessed with accumulating wealth, it can lead to a selfish and greedy mindset. They may prioritize their financial gain over the well-being of others.

The intense desire for money can push people to engage in unethical or illegal activities to achieve their financial goals, not to mention the strain it can put on personal relationships. When money is number one in our life, everything, and everyone, comes second.

And now for the surprise that I found. As I was reading 1 Timothy chapter 6, I found another idiom!

The common saying is “We came into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing”, or something like that. I found it in 1 Timothy chapter 6!

It’s verse 7, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

Paul is trying to teach against greed, and show people that they can live good, simple lives without getting caught up in the world’s desire to have more.

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 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 6:8-10 NKJV

There is an old saying, “money can’t buy happiness” but I believe when you have happiness already, money is a good thing. Obviously we need money to survive; to pay our bills and buy our food, but money can also be used for much good when our motives are in line and in tune with God’s.

In fact, Paul went on to instruct Timothy on what to tell those who were blessed with great wealth:

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV

I am convinced it is not the amount of money in our bank account that matters anyway. It is what our heart is willing to do with what we have. Whether we have much, or not so much, God wants us to “do good”.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

“I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:11-16 NKJV

I want to emphasize, not everyone that pursues wealth is driven by the love of money or behaves immorally. Not by any means! People can, and do, use their financial success for positive purposes, helping others, supporting charitable causes, and making a big impact on society or their church community. These people get things done, they make things happen, not because it benefits them, but because it benefits others and we could not accomplish much without these fine people.

I guess the moral of the story is that true happiness and fulfillment comes from putting relationships ahead of material wealth and possessions. The love of money can lead to destructive behavior and loss of personal values. The love of money can cause us to lose sight of what is truly important: Jesus and His soon return. Keep your eyes on Him.

by Jeanette Stark – Tuesday, August 1, 2023