“…Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
1 Timothy 6:2-10 NLT http://bible.com/116/1ti.6.2-10.nlt
You may have heard people say “Money is the root of all evil.” In saying this some think they’re quoting the Bible. Others may just know it as some profound saying. This statement is not accurate to scripture. It is the LOVE of money that is the root of evil. Not money itself.
Money in and of itself is not evil. What is evil may be what you plan to do with the money or the intent in which you’re using it. The Bible say in the Old Testament that “Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.” With anything we do, even something perceivably good, God is looking at the intents of our hearts and seeing our motives. Hebrews 4:12 NLT http://bible.com/116/heb.4.12.nlt
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with having money. Everyone likes a little change in their pocket. Not just for selfish reasons like those fresh new kicks or getting that mani and pedi, we also need it to provide our basic needs like clothing, food and shelter. Things we need to sustain our lives.
Again, nothing wrong with having money. The problem is when money has you. This is what the apostle Paul is addressing when saying “people long to be rich.” Basically, their whole existence is based on the amount of money they have and not in Christ. Regardless if you have a lot or a little, it is wise to be content with the true riches found in Christ.
Paul teaches this also in Philippians chapter 3 where a very popular verse is quoted, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” He says that he learned in any state how to be content. God will provide what we need to sustain our lives and to fulfill His will for our lives. It’s not our lives then His will. It’s His will and then our lives. God desires us to have good things but not outside of His will. Not money or anything it can buy should take the place of Christ in our lives.
That leads us to our Throwback Song of the Week. It’s a throwback to St. Louis artist Flame. It’s from his 2004 debut project entitled “Flame.” The track is entitled “Money” and admonishes us to not allow money to rule our lives and take the place of our relationship with Christ. Check out the song and let us know what you think. Also, tune into this week’s podcast to hear this song featured by DJ Jeremaya. Until next time…
Peace and blessings.
