April 17, 2023

I Timothy 6: 10 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. (NIV)

Money talks. But it don’t sing and dance And it don’t walk.*

First of all, money is not the root of all evil – it is a root of all kinds of evil. Evil comes in many forms and has lots of different roots. Second of all, rich people aren’t the only ones who love money. A poor person’s love of money could be rooted in the evil of greed, resentment, or self-righteousness. Rich and poor alike have been known to wander from the faith in pursuit of money. 

How do we develop a healthy attitude towards money? Following Jesus’ example would be a good place to start. 

1. Jesus didn’t have any money, but he knew he had endless resources. 
2. Jesus didn’t condemn the rich, only those who oppressed the poor. 
3. Jesus taught us to be charitable to the poor – which can only be done if we aren’t all poor! 
4. Jesus said it would be hard for a rich man to get into heaven – but not impossible. 
5. Jesus recommended storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. 
6. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be.” 

Possessing great wealth is not always an indication that a person’s treasure is in the bank. Someone observed, “What really gives value to a treasure is the affection of the heart.”* As Paul told Timothy, those who have wandered from the faith in pursuit of money have pierced themselves with many griefs. Do not let money, the love of money, or the lack of money, come between you and the Lord.

Money will not last, but how we use it will matter for eternity.*