Love of money resists God’s authority
© 2016 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Folks often misquote the Bible as saying, “Money is the root of all evil.” However, that’s not what the Bible says. Here’s what it actually says.
“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” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Man’s love of money, not money itself, breeds all sorts of evil. Man’s fallen heart is the real problem. His love of money displaces his love for God which is man’s primary duty.
God lovingly commands His people to love Him.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
Jesus, Himself, confirmed this.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
Ever since mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, he has sought to usurp God’s authority just as Satan tries to do. Though money also has righteous uses, it has become a misused tool in pursuing this evil lust for power and authority. Man’s love for money has replaced his legitimate love for God. Much evil has resulted.
Only God the Son, Jesus, the Messiah, can restore love for God in the fallen heart of a person. In a cruel crucifixion, Christ lovingly sacrificed His life blood, to pay the penalty for sin. After His resurrection, He ascended to Heaven where He sits in authority at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).
In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Ephesian believers in Christ, he referred to them as those who love Christ.
“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen” (Ephesians 6:24).
Ultimately, people’s relationships with Christ will eternally divide all of mankind into two distinct groups.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
Is your heart characterized by love for God, or by love of money, and the power it buys?
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