Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9; 1 Timothy 6; Hosea 1; Psalm 119:73-96
1 Timothy 6:10 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.
This verse tells us so much about ourselves and the world in which we live. Do you want to know why babies are aborted? The root of the answer is in the love of money. Do you want to know why wars are fought? The answer lies in the love of money. Have you ever heard an investigator say, “Follow the money trail”? If you want to get down to the bottom line, sin loves money! When you disobey the Tenth Commandment, you will have a love of money and it will eventually pierce you with many sorrows.
So what do we do about this covetous tendency in ourselves? How do we combat it? We must change the view that we have of what true wealth really is. The Bible says:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
The opposite of covetousness is contentment and trust in God. He is our Provider. Since we can carry nothing out of this world it is foolish to try to accumulate possessions. They will not last. But godliness is a commodity that is very valuable. Instead of trying to get ahead in life we should draw near to God. We must beware that we do not set our sights on the wrong goal.
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
If your goal in life is to be rich, beware! There is a snare on that path and many foolish and hurtful lusts are there. When you fall into them they will drown you! Think of all the stories of people who have become incredibly wealthy and all the traps they fall into. Think of many of today’s sports stars. Think of the debauchery of Hollywood. Think of the Rock and Roll stars and the lusts they have indulged in.
Money the Bible tells us is like a god. People will worship it and serve it. You must choose therefore which god you will serve. Will you serve the One True and Living God, the Lord Jesus Christ? Or will you serve the false god called Mammon?
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Will you love Jesus or will you love money?
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
In Christ,
Rody
