We have all heard, “the Bible says money is the root of all evil.” But that’s not what the Bible says. Paul wrote to Timothy about money and said:
“the love of money is the root of all evil…” 1 Tim 6:10
Paul teaches that the love of money [or anything else] is the root of all evil. In addition to money, it could be the love of status, jobs, possessions, family, hobbies, recreational activities, etc that can be the “root of all evil. It is anything that we love and put above our love for God, that can become an idol in our lives.
So why does Paul say “the love of money is the root of all evil?” Because it is covetousness of something worldly. And that covetousness becomes a desire that controls us, demands our devotion, and, as Paul wrote to Timothy it causes some to “err from the faith” and have “many sorrows.” (1 Tim 6:10)
Paul’s admonition to Timothy was that children of God should “…flee from the coveteousness of worldly things, and desire to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Tim 6:11). We are to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim 6:12) and “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Cor 12:31), which are gifts from God.
Such focus, dedication, and devotion are mandatory for Christians if they are to live in the Spirit and honor God. We are to:
- put nothing above Jesus
- keep our hearts devoted to Jesus
- renew our minds in the Word of God
- live in the power of the Holy Spirit
- and find rest, assurance, and security in Christ alone.
As Christians, our wealth is not found in money. Our hope and joy do not come from worldly possessions. Rather, our hope, joy, and wealth come from our positional standing in Christ. We are redeemed and regenerated, and we stand as a child of God and a joint heir with Christ.
This short parable illustrates our immeasurable wealth.
A Parable of the Poor Christian and the Tax Collector
One day, a tax assessor came to a poor Christian to determine his property and assess the taxes due. He asked the Christian, “What property do you possess?” The Christian replied, “I am a very wealthy man with possessions of great value.”
“What are they. Please list them for me,” responded the tax assessor. And the Christian began to list all of his valuable possessions:
- First, I have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
- Second, I have a mansion in heaven. (John 14:2)
- Third, I have peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
- Fourth, I have joy unspeakable. (1 Peter 1:8)
- Fifth, I have love that never fails. (1 Cor.13:8)
- Sixth, I have a faithful, virtuous wife. (Proverbs 31:10)
- Seventh, I have healthy, happy, obedient children. (Exodus 20:12)
- Eighth, I have true and loyal friends. (Proverbs 18:24)
- Ninth, I have songs in the night. (Psalm 42:8)
- Tenth, I have a crown of life. (James 1:12)
“I have many more possessions,” said the Christian. “Should I continue?”
The tax assessor closed his book, and declared, “Truly you are a very rich man. But your property is not subject to taxation.”
<*}}}><
*******
We Need Your Help
If Reasons for Hope* Jesus has blessed you,
please consider supporting our ministry.
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
But YOU make it possible!
As an online biblical resource ministry, your goodwill and generosity keep us going in our mission to equip, encourage, and empower the body of Christ and reach the lost with the gospel of saving grace.
Your help is truly needed and greatly appreciated.
Did you know..it's easy to set up monthly giving?
And it helps us meet our budget!
Reasons for Hope*Jesus is a 501c3 Ministry
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
If you are unable to donate but appreciate our ministry outreach, please encourage us by clicking here.
*******
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
- Prayers from Billy Graham
- Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
- “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
- Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
- Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
- 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
- Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
- Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859
This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
*****************