The Godly Gazette (The Root of ALL Kinds of Evil)

The Root of ALL Kinds of Evil

1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Most people in todays society still believe that money brings happiness. We think that if we had more money, we could buy the things that make us happy. This is the kind of thinking that has made us a slave to our desires.

Rich people constantly crave greater riches because their riches are never enough. The desire for more money and possessions are cravings of our flesh, brought on by the views of this world. This can lead to an endless cycle that only ends in heartache, grief, and destruction.

1 Timothy 6:9 - People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

We always want more than we have. Those who love money and seek it obsessively, never find the happiness that it promises. It doesn't matter how much money you earn, if you try to create happiness by building wealth, you will never have enough.

Money and the seeking thereof also causes grief, anxiety, sleeplessness, worry, fear, and more. As well, some will jeopardize their integrity to achieve their financial status. Wealth also tends to attract freeloaders, thieves, and others trying to get at their money.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 - Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

There are over 200 verses in the book of Proverbs that deal with money issues. The following verses, guidelines, and articles will help you break the love of money off your life, and provide support for your financial success.

1) Honor God with your money.

Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

God wants you to be successful and prosperous, but He doesn't want you to love money more than you love Him. When you honor God by giving Him the first of whatever you get, it breaks the power of the love of money off your life.

2) Give to the poor.

Proverbs 11:24 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

The verse that follows this also teaches that the generous man will prosper. Don't be greedy or have an egotistical attitude. God will bless you when you love people and are generous with those who have less than you.

3) Be Honest and Upright.

Proverbs 15:6 - The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

Don't compromise what you know to be right in order to get ahead. What good is it to be rich if you dishonor God, lose your spouse, your children, or your health. Jesus says in Matthew 16:26 - "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"

4) Be content with what you have.

1 Timothy 6:8 - But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

It is helpful to distinguish between needs and wants. Don't let yourself become anxious or discontent over things that are merely wants. Choose to be content without having all that you want. The only alternative is to be a slave to your desires.

5) Focus on eternity.

1 Timothy 6:7 - For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.

You must realize that the things of this world are only temporary. One day, all your riches and possessions will be gone. When you die, you can't take any of your stuff with you, but you can prepare yourself for eternity by building up for yourself treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19/21 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and
rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Money in itself is not evil. It is the love of money that is the problem. When you put God above your desire for money, He will bless your financial situation. God has promised in His Word a life of abundance to those who diligently seek after Him.

God has promised to supply ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 4:19). He has promised an abundant life (John 10:10), of success and prosperity (Joshua 1:8), filled with the joy of Jesus (John 15:11), and the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:7).

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

No One Can Serve Two Masters

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