Morning Manna

Day 29 – The Love of Money

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. (1Ti 6:10) This verse does not say that it is money that is the root of all evil. It says that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. This love for money will cause a man to push aside his faith and bring trials and tribulations into his life. I don’t believe this refers to “all evil” in the sense of every evil thing there is. Being a disobedient child is evil but it is not because that child has a love for money. I believe Paul was relating this verse to the previous verses:

1 Tim. 6:4–9, “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (4) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (5) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (6) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (7) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (8 ) 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. (9)

Can’t you just see the love of money in these instances? When money is the driving force behind what you do, you are guilty of this. You had better beware. It is the love of money that will cause you to envy others because of what they have that you don’t have. It is the love of money that will cause you to crawl over someone to get ahead. It is the love of money that will cause railings (Clamoring with insulting language; uttering reproachful words – according to Noah Webster). It is the love of money that will cause you to have evil suspicions of those around you – everyone is out to get you (or your money). This love of money will cause you to believe that gain is actually what God wants for your life.

Paul says that godliness with contentment is great gain. If you are content with what you have, are you striving for more money? Are you eager to buy things that your neighbor or friend has? Are you honest in your dealings with others? Does what the world has to offer cause you to desire those things? That is the lust of the flesh, my friend. The Lord says in His Word, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 Jo 2:15)
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 Jo 2:16)

Struggling in this area reveals that you are not walking in the Spirit but in the flesh. The love of money and what it has to offer is not from God. The devil desires you to be so caught up in making money and spending it that your focus is drawn away from God. The devil desires you to get into so much debt that you have to work long hours and spend less time in the Word, in church, winning souls, and serving in your ministries. If he can get you here, he has distracted you from the things of God and, therefore, you will not be of use to the Lord. You will be bound in the chains of debt and this will drive you to deeper and deeper sin. Nelson Rockefeller was asked in a magazine interview, “How much is enough money?” His response was, “Just one more dollar.” Here was a man that was worth millions, if not billions by the time he died. Yet, it was not enough for him. He wanted one more dollar! How very sad is that? For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mar 8:36)

There is no peace in this. But there is peace when you are content with what you have and you’re not looking at what everyone else has. If you are not in debt, the debt collectors won’t be knocking at your door. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? (Pro 22:27) The best rule of thumb to live by is never buy anything that you do not have the money saved up to pay for. When you are trying to decide on large purchases, like vehicles and housing, pray hard and think long before getting into that kind of debt. Counsel with the wise before you make that final decision. Not the wise of the world, but the wise in the Lord. I found it interesting that the words “multitude of counsellors” appears only three times in the Word of God. Three depicts the Trinity. Therefore, consult with godly people, who are wise in finances, and will have your best interest at heart, not their pocketbook.

Dear God…
May I take my eyes off worldly gain
Where the love of money rules
Help me to be wise in all my ways
So my lot doesn’t end as the fool’s