Why is 2the love of money the root of all evil? It is because, instead of giving to those in need, most people keep it all to themselves. Instead of looking outside themselves, their wants and needs are most important. Even their wants become needs, while other people continue to suffer. Surely, a lot could be done in this world with more generous hearts, but instead the homeless continue to go hungry and families continue to starve without us even knowing. How many times have you seen a homeless person or family and walked or drive right past them? How many times have you seen a person struggling to pay their groceries and therefore, had to give up a few things in their basket, when you could have stepped in and helped? These things happen every day, every hour and every minute. Yes, even so-called Christians allow these things to happen and don’t even think twice about them. I pray that as you look at your finances that covetousness is no longer involved. That instead, you become content with your needs alone. As Paul said, 2“godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” So why desire so much, when instead your money could help someone more in need then yourself. As Paul said, we can’t take any of it in death.
Paul goes on and says, 2“having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The more money a person has, also comes many foolish thoughts and decisions, if God is not involved. With so much wealth, the poor could really get a boost, but instead they are forgotten and their lusts come into play. This is why the love of money is evil. It is better to be content and then give anything extra to the poor and needy, then to gain things that are so unnecessary. If you are rich now, why not spare some of money and give it away to people that really need it. Look past what you have or need for just a minute and think about how you can make a difference in this world. Solomon said, 1“money answereth all things,” so why not allow it to bless another person’s life? It does answer the call for the beggar and the hungry, along with our own lives when we have no food or shelter. It would be nice if money grew on trees but the sad story is that it does not. Therefore, people suffer in this greedy world that we live in. Their cares are diminished while other people’s lives are full of gain. Therefore, do something about this problem. Be alert and when you see a need, jump at it, at first glance.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I know that there is a great need in this world and as Christians, we can make a big difference. People don’t have to continue to suffer under our watch any longer. As we are walking down the street and see a person that is homeless, we could offer them some money, some food or water, our coat, our hat, and even our shoes. Even, while we are driving and see people in need, we could listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and stop and care for them. You Lord, give us patience and a kind and generous heart. Nothing is ever a rush when You have someone in need and we are the one to care for them. Lord, may Your promptings be heard, even when we are at the store. Yes, God, when people in front of us are checking out and are struggling to pay their groceries, give us boldness to step up and pay the rest. And if we are well off, give us a desire to pay it all for them, that they may have money later and not suffer. I know that we are to be a light to this generation, and I pray that we all become one today. To be used by You, God, is the most amazing thing ever and I pray that more people will experience it today. It truly is amazing to see people in need be comforted and find peace. We do this for Your glory Lord. It is because we love You and our neighbor. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 (KJV)
15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
21 Timothy 6:6-12 (KJV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.