Is money really “the root of all evil?” as people have said. Absolutely not! Money is not the root of all evil. it is the love of it. Without exception we all need money to live. Everyone needs money to purchase basic things such as food, clothing, somewhere to live, and for other necessities for living. With this in mind, how can money be considered “evil?”
A great deal of good has been accomplished because of money. Many charitable organizations reach out to people who are in need (some destitute) of financial assistance. Wealthy people have donated huge sums of money to charitable groups such as the Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and others.
In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul stated: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is though this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Craving may mean “greed for riches” that causes believers to stray from the Christian faith. Paul makes it clear, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. Again, it is not money in itself.
In context, here’s what Paul is saying, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:6-9).
Godliness and contentment compliment each other. When Christ is the “center” of a Christian’s life, he is satisfied where God has placed him. Paul also reminds us we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. In other words we were born “empty handed” and we will die empty handed, irrespective of our material possessions or wealth.
Having food and clothing with these we will be content. Although a place to live is not mentioned, yet our heavenly Father is aware of this need and will also supply it as well. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19). Note carefully: God will supply every need of yours. Not some or a few.
Since the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, having money or being wealthy is not a sin. Rather, it is how the money is first obtained that’s important. Note what verse 9 is telling us “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” Very strong statement.
The desire to be rich will drive people to be dishonest, commit fraud, engage in unlawful financial transactions, lie, cheat, steal, envy someone else’s possessions, and even gamble. These are senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction, as the Scripture teaches and warns us about.
The writer of the Hebrew letter exhorts us to “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Since God promises never to leave us, surely He will definitely meet our needs —financial and otherwise.
People have been hurt, robbed, killed, sued, arrested, threatened, and suffered various negative consequences because of their love of money. Some have even committed suicide as a result.
King Solomon, the world’s wisest man, declared, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). There are people who never seem to be satisfied with the money they have. Instead, they develop an insatiable appetite for gain and wealth, and always wanting more.
It is an established fact that money cannot buy happiness. Statistics show “well-to-do” people are very unhappy, lonely, miserable, and even emotionally distraught. Some have actually expressed regret of having ‘so much’ wealth.
Jesus Christ issues a strong warning about the love of money. He said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24). Jesus points out that it is not possible to serve two masters for the reasons He gives. Christians must decide which it will be. Our loyalty and commitment must definitely be to God alone.
William MacDonald writes: “The impossibility of living for God and for money is stated here in terms of masters and slaves. No one can serve two masters. One will inevitably take precedence in his loyalty and obedience. So it is with God and mammon. They present rival claims and a choice must be made. Either we must put God first and reject the rule of materialism or we must live for temporal things and refuse God’s claim on our lives,” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1226).
It doesn’t mean people should not have money or earn an honest living, plan to save and invest wisely to meet their needs (not wants). The problem is that there is an insatiable greed for wealth and material gain by some and also an addiction to it.
God is absolutely trustworthy. We can completely rely on Him to meet all our needs. Seek God’s help with a pure heart and an obedient spirit. King David said “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread”
(Psalm 37:25). Let us heed God’s Word.