The Root Of All Evil?

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” 1 Timothy 6:10

You’ve probably heard this verse misquoted many times before. It usually goes something like this: “money is the root of all evil.” But notice that’s not what Paul says. Money itself is neutral; it’s just a tool. It’s your attachment to money that truly determines its impact on your life.

In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says that "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As we talked about yesterday, this principle applies regardless of how much or how little you have. So, are you in love with money? If any of these indicators apply to you, you might be:

1) You believe it's "your" money, so you’re constantly worried about losing it all and or making more.

2) You think money makes your life work, reducing your dependence on God.

3) Your love for money replaces your love for God. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters,” referring specifically to money and God. You can’t serve them both!

The stewardship vs. ownership perspective we looked at recently applies not only to your finances but also to your time and your talents. Embracing your role as a steward helps you maintain a proper relationship with all the resources God’s entrusted to you, not just money.

More importantly, embracing your role as a steward helps you maintain a proper relationship with God. Then, of course, if you know you don’t own it, you won’t fall in love with it!