”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 6:10 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that the “love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” I imagine some people desire to be rich with material wealth, which is their passion and priority in life. The Apostle Paul expresses a concern that money may contribute to someone’s transgressions and misdeeds. As Paul writes to Timothy, he recommends fleeing from the desire of money being the priority. Still, he encourages more significant priorities such as godly attributes: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11/NIV). Are money and wealth bad? Obviously not. But, perhaps, the passion for money and materialism being someone’s treasure becomes a distraction from what they should value. Paul discourages “love of money” and encourages the pursuit of godly qualities! Let’s explore the Bible further!
As we turn to Matthew 6, discussion occurs about what we should value and where: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21/NIV). The treasures we store up in heaven will not be destroyed like those on earth. Treasures in Heaven will have eternal significance with far greater importance and longevity than anything of earthly value. The focus of our heart will be on what we treasure, which will guide us in the direction we go!
What should we seek and treasure? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33/NIV). As we divert the things we treasure to holy things of value, the Bible says God will provide us with what we need: food, drink, clothes, and shelter. I imagine as we seek to keep God, and His Son Jesus Christ, our priority, we will be blessed with possessions of greater value that would far surpass money or things of great earthly significance! As I read through these Biblical passages, this causes me to pause and assess myself and determine if my values are properly placed and involve things of eternal value.
Going back to the passages in 1 Timothy 6, recalling that money is the root of all kinds of evil that may cause us to wander and fall into calamity encourages me to explore what I treasure and value. We must always guard ourselves against the temptation to pursue the treasures of this world. Let’s look at 1 Timothy 6:18, which provides us with some general guidance about our values and actions: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18/NIV). What is also of greater value? “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6/NIV). Amen!
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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