The Love of Money

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)

I have heard time and again people misquoting 1 Timothy 6:10. “Money is the root of all evil,” they say. That’s not what Paul said at all. He said the love of money is the root of all evil. Money, in itself, is neither good nor evil; it is the disposition of the heart toward it that determines how it will be used. Paul was not speaking against prosperity. He was cautioning us against having a love affair with wealth that sacrifices our relationship with God. When the pursuit of money becomes an all-consuming passion, it will always lead people away from faith and enslave them in a life of moral compromise. 

Think about the many ways that the love of money becomes a destructive power. Marriages fall apart because of money issues, people resent their friends and family based on money and money causes serious division among co-workers. I’ve seen siblings who once loved each other squabbling over inheritances and estates during a time when they should be grieving.

The desire for money above everything else causes moral decay among those who have positions of honor and power that are meant to protect and serve the people. In their quest for power and gain, they sacrifice integrity, neglect relationships, and walk away from God, all for the sake of the almighty dollar.

As believers, we are called to have a heart that treasures righteousness above riches, and wisdom above wealth. We need to strive to use our resources wisely, and steward them with integrity and generosity for the sake of God’s kingdom first.

Practical Application

Consider what truly matters to you beyond money. It could be your relationships, spiritual growth, or contributing to a cause God has placed on your heart. Once you realize this, take time to align your financial goals and spending habits with these values. When you make this change, you can ensure that the money you have serves as a tool for God’s kingdom and what He has placed in your heart instead of your personal goal.

Deuteronomy 16:19; Micah 3:11

You Put Your Money Where Your Heart is

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:20-21)

You always put your money where your heart is. Jesus said what you sow financially into shows where you place your trust and your heart. If you want to know what a person is really about, just follow the money.

In very practical ways, Jesus’ lesson in this verse invites us to look at our financial stewardship through a spiritual lens. If we really want to grow in the things of God, we should take the time to consider whether our financial decisions really align with God's kingdom's values.  Are we patronizing places that specifically and vocally oppose kingdom values? Are we prioritizing the advancement of God's kingdom over our own desires?

Jesus challenged us to cultivate a mindset that puts God’s kingdom first in everything - especially our financial decisions. We are called to invest our resources wisely, not just to fulfill our temporary needs, but rather to fulfill the purpose of growing the kingdom of God.

Practical Application

What companies are you sowing into regularly that are vocally and purposely fighting against God’s principles? Decide to evaluate what you are sowing your support for and make adjustments when the Holy Spirit reveals to you those areas that are against God’s Word and God’s way.

Isaiah 33:6; Proverbs 3:18

Money’s Testimony

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. (Ecclesiastes 10:19)

The word answereth in the Hebrew means it announces, or it testifies. So, Ecclesiastes 10:19 doesn’t mean that money is the solution to all things. It means that it announces and tells on us.

The truth is that money enables us to meet our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. It can give us access to education and opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Money does serve as a tool. But more than that, money serves as a teller.

Money tells on us. Each time we spend some of our wealth, there is a ledger that testifies to our underlying motives.

Money is needed and useful in this world and can be a wonderful blessing. But an even greater blessing is a feast full of laughter. How we give our money and how we spend it can sow honor into our lives and allow others to see the character that we really have. It’s important that we recognize that our generosity not only meets immediate needs but can also make an eternal impact on the life of someone else.

Practical Application

How can you sow into someone’s life this week or into an institution or group that supports kingdom principles? Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone or some organization on your heart so that you can sow with purpose. Money is a tool that testifies to your faith.

Psalm 112:9; Ecclesiastes 7:11