The Love of Money
Money itself is not evil. It is the love of money that is evil.
“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.”
Think of a root. A root is the basis of a tree or plant. The root determines the type of leaf or fruit the plant will bear.
The Bible teaches us that every human being, family and nation has a root. This root is not based on blood relationships, but rather, a mentality.
If the root (mentality) is good, meaning it is God-based, then good fruit will be produced.
If the root (mentality) is evil, meaning it is money-based, then evil fruit will be produced.
One day, Jesus was teaching about false prophets and the people that follow them. The ‘root’ is the teachings of these false prophets. The ‘fruit’ is the people that follow them.
“You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.”
For parents, their children are their fruit.
For leaders of nations, their citizens are their fruit.
For pastors, their congregations are their fruit.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine the root of a family, nation or church. One only needs to look at the fruit!
As an individual, your fruit also refers to your behavior. Your mentality is dictating your actions and creating results, whether good or bad.
Most people don’t believe they love money. I have an easy ‘test’ for you.
What do you think about the most?
If money is constantly in your brain and the pursuit of it is the basis of your life, you’re in love with it!
If you’re afraid to lose the money you have, beware. Fear is an indicator that you are trusting in money and not God.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
Many people believe that more money will solve their problems and make their lives better. There are thousands of get-rich-quick schemes and wealth-building books that prey on this belief. Watch out for these traps.
“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.”
You will find many rich men in the Bible. Some of these men were Godly and some were evil. The big question becomes: how did they achieve their wealth?
Stick around for the answer!
-Jo
Bible passages: 1 Timothy 6:10, Matthew 7:16-20, 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Timothy 6:9
Tags: bible, culture, economics, get rich quick, lifestyle, love of money, money, pursuit of money, religion, Understanding the Bible, wealth building
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