"The love of money is the root of all evil." Or so we've heard. Is this true? Should Christians pursue a life of poverty? Or does this mean something deeper?
The Bible describes saving money as a wise practice for the people of God. Consider some of the following reasons:
The Lord is the source and provider for everything the people of God need (Philippines 4:19).God provides money, so it is a Christian's responsibility to steward money well (Matthew 25:14-27).
What does, "the love of money is the root of all evil," mean for Christians?
Saving money demonstrates wise stewardship of the resources God has given to His people. It also helps in the following ways:
- Being prepared for the future, which is good (Proverbs 6:6-8).
- Saving money and planning helps one to be more effective in ministry (1 Corinthians 16:2). When Christians don't plan and save money, they are more prone to go into debt, which the Bible tells us is unwise; we must be wise in saving money to avoid problems that may happen in the future (Proverbs 22:27).
- The Lord desires His people to be cheerful givers, there is a cheesy saying called, "sharing is caring," and that is true. The more you share, the more pleased God will become (2 Corinthians 9:7, Hebrews 13:16).
How does the 'love of money is the root of evil', shows us bad motives about money?
If money in itself isn't bad, but the love of money is the root of all evil, let's dissect where bad intentions come into play. There are also many wrong motives to save money, such as the following:
- Saving money for the future out of fear means we are not trusting God to provide, which would make our faith in God weaken.
- It's not wise to make money our security, because money is something that won't last forever, it could easily be gone in just within seconds.
- (1 Timothy 6:10) warns against greed among the people of God, life does not consist of abundance in possessions.
Money cannot ultimately satisfy.
Servants of the Lord in the Bible are rich, like Abraham, and poor, like John the Baptist. Paul warns that the love of money, not money itself, is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). With that said, amassing a vast fortune is not sin, but it does bring more temptation to make money the ultimate focus instead of the Lord.
The Lord created man to enjoy Him and be satisfied in Him. Money still plays an essential part in the providence of God. Through the financial gifts of the people of God, the Lord funds the mission of His church to make disciples of the nations.
As we consider in more depth 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , we need to understand there is nothing wrong with material prosperity (Proverbs 10:4; 22; 22:4). Those who are blessed with an abundance of resources are given to them that they may advance the Kingdom of God (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Money comes with a lot of temptations
The wealthy person may be more tempted to trust in their resources than the Lord (Psalms 52:7). Paul's point in 1 Timothy 6:10 is that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, not directly the root of evil. Other idols such as greed, a lust for power, and so on reveal the roots. The abundance of resources available to the people of God should lead to thankfulness, not to greed.
Wealthy Christians should never look down on those with fewer resources, for such an attitude is sinful.
Lord, we come to You today to learn on how to handle with our money wisely without falling into the traps of the dangerous sins, Lord. Guide us till the end of the world, bless us so today will be an amazing day and night. Amen.
Thank you for reading, I hope that this helps you in your faith! <3
sources:
christianity.com
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money.html
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Fanfiction━ a religious book, mainly for christians-- a simple guide to the main teachings (moral values) in christianity! God had told us to be the salt and the light of this world. so i will do what He wishes for us to do. ✎ NOTES: - if you are not intere...
