I Timothy 6:6-10
“Money is the root of all evil.” Maybe you’ve said it; almost certainly you have heard it said. But, this is a misquote from Paul’s letter to Timothy. Money itself is merely a medium of exchange…perhaps a measure of one’s financial health or status, but in and of itself is neither good nor evil. And “evil”? That is anything or anyone opposed to the will and way of God. Since money is just a tool, it’s probably not the root of all evil.
Paul writes his letter to Timothy, a young pastor in the rapidly growing city of Ephesus, a city where business is booming. I’m sure the pull of the power and provision of wealth was strong. Therefore, Paul writes those words of admonition and warning to Timothy: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Yes, that’s the actual saying—love of money, a root, all kinds of evil. Paul even says that the pursuit of riches gets folks into bad places.
Jesus has some words about money and riches as well. In “The Sermon on the Mount,” he charges his disciples not to put their hearts and minds on riches reminding them that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). For those who look to money and wealth for security, Jesus tells the parable about the wealthy guy who determines to build more and make more…and take life easy. When all is said and done, God says, “You fool”…you die tonight (Lk. 12:15-21). So, again, money and wealth is not the place to invest our lives.
Sociological studies, psychological studies, and national polls[1] reveal how money tends to change us: 1) As money increases, we become more selfish. 2) As our wealth increases, so does our anxiety. And, 3) As we make more money, we are more likely to cross lines we wouldn’t ordinarily cross—we lie to spouses/family members, we cheat on income tax returns, and we begin to support political agendas based on wealth creation rather can care of others.
John Wesly, the founder of the Methodist
moment, wrote and preached a sermon entitled “The Use of Money.” In that
sermon, he says the following:
“In
the hands of God’s children, money is food for the hungry, clothing for the
naked and shelter for the stranger. With money we can care for the widow and
the fatherless, defend the oppressed, meet the needs of those who are sick or
in pain.”[2]
“These, then, are the simple rules for the
Christian use of money. Gain all you can, without bringing harm to yourself or
your neighbour. Save all you can by avoiding waste and unnecessary luxuries.
(If there was no one to see what you’re getting ready to buy, would you still
buy it?) Finally, give all you can. Do not limit yourself to a proportion. Do
not give God a tenth or even half what he already owns, but give all that is
his by using your wealth to preserve yourself and family, the Church of God and
the rest of humanity. In this way you will be able to give a good account of
your stewardship when the Lord comes with all his saints.”
This is God’s call to us today.
Sunday, August 30,
2026
“Money Is the Root of All Evil”
Watch/Listen: HERE
[1]
Here’s a good read—a place to start: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_money_changes_the_way_you_think_and_feel
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