Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 2: The Love of Money

Day 87 – The Love of Money – 1 Timothy 6:3-21

The challenge of desiring wealth is discussed many places in scripture.  When Jesus speaks about ethical issues, he places more emphasis on this than any other issue.  So it should be no surprise that the issue has a great deal of attention in other parts of scripture as well.

This is a challenge for our society.  Even the person earning an average amount of money is rich be worldly standards.  Most of us reading this are part of the top 10% wealthiest in the world.  Yet we tend to focus on what we do not have versus what God has given us.  A good friend who spent time in Afghanistan notes that an entire village would live in his house here.  It is by no means an extravagant house.

The drive for wealth distorts us in many ways.  Many of the economic problems of the last couple of years can be traced to financiers who, while already making huge amounts of money, wanted more.  Money is a never ending desire.  In some manner, just like any other addiction, it almost seems the more one has, the more the desire grows. 

Scripture does not condemn the wealthy, as much as ask that it be used in Godly ways.  Examples of this are found in Acts, and here we see teachings laid out as well:  As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.. (vv 17-18)

The challenge of money is the greatest issue faced by our society.  Remembering that we are truly wealthy in comparison to the world, what challenge is do you face with these words?

In Christ,

Randy