1 Timothy 6 - Love of Money

1 Timothy 6 NIV

Seek not the pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow; rather, receive the Tree of Life,
who is Jesus the Christ.

It is not money that is the root of all evil; rather, as Paul puts it, "...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." (vs 10) God has indeed blessed many of the faithful with riches in this world. We are not to disrespect those whom God has so blessed. They are faithful in using their blessings to bless others and to glorify God. They are not arrogantly serving themselves. And, if they are then we might want to discern whether they really serve God or themselves before we listen to them.

We should not so desire wealth in this world that it detracts us from the love of God. There are many false prophets in this world who would tell us that if we just do this or that God will bless us. There are many who would teach that godliness  is a means to gain.

I received one of those letters the other day encouraging me "to plant a seed" and God will make me rich. If you receive letters like this, I encourage you to destroy them immediately. Have nothing to do with these false prophets. Those letters are not being sent to help you get rich. They are being sent so that the senders may prosper even more. It is for their own wealth that they are concerned. They have little knowledge of the true riches of God. They use the name of God for their own glory here in this world. They do not seek the kingdom of God; but, riches in this world which are very temporary.

Money can be used for good purposes by the faithful. But, be careful that your love for it does not trump your love for God who was willing to die for you. The love of money can bring great destruction to a person; to a community; to the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J