For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Money holds no particular value according to its appearance. It is simply a piece of specially printed paper, but we know the value it carries in our society. If we have a hundred-dollar bill in our possession, one of the first things that crosses our mind is likely what we will do with it. Money is nothing special in and of itself, but the things it gives access to make it appealing. So many people get caught up in love of money because of the comfortable life it promises or the status it can bring. This love quickly leads down a path of greed, covetousness, and selfishness—even if we never expected it to.
The powerful effect money can have on our souls is frightening. Many of us have heard this scriptural warning, but have we assessed where money stands in our own hearts? If given a hundred-dollar bill, would the first thought be for yourself? When you receive your paycheck, are you primarily thinking about the things it will get you? For many of us, this struggle with the love of money is not far off. But in Christ, we can be free from the love of money because we know who our ultimate Provider is. When we follow Him, money becomes less of a means for our gain but rather a tool entrusted to us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit changing our hearts, heeding the warning of this passage not only gives a healthier relationship with money but also helps us love those around us and live out the commands of God.
- What are some things you have learned about money? Are they in line with Scripture? Explain.
- How have you seen a temptation to love money in your life?
- Pray and ask God to help you flee from the love of money.
