A note from our Pastor:

”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

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week continues the Apostle Paul’s thoughts on the seeking of wealth. The Apostle has previously addressed the idea of contentment. He tells disciples to be content if God has provided food, clothing, and shelter. Those are not the limits of what God provides. Still, they are the base requirements that should be necessary for a disciple to be content in this life.

The verse presented for our consideration this week is one of the most familiar verses in the New Testament. Despite that, it is commonly misquoted, and thus, misapplied. The misrepresentation is based on leaving off the first four words of the verse. “For the love of” speaks to the mindset of the individual.

It is not money itself that causes evil as people have always had some form of commerce. Money, in whatever form it takes, is nothing more than an object that can be used for good or evil. While the use of money impacts those on the receiving end, the desire for money has an outsized impact. Marriages, families, churches, countries, and even the world have been torn apart because of the love of money.

Jesus warned his disciples during his earthly ministry to avoid covetousness. In Luke, chapter 12, he relayed a parable that taught a lesson about the love of material wealth. Through that lesson and others Jesus brought forth a concept of using charity for improving the lives of others. This approach to managing wealth is contrary to having a love of money and seeking to amass great riches.

The Apostle, in our study verse, says some have erred from the faith. They allowed a love for money to rule their lives. Numerous sins of those who love money could be listed. The simplest explanation of this statement though points us back to the two commandments of the New Testament. Those who are ruled by a love of money cannot love God with all their might. Furthermore, those who seek to keep their wealth for themselves fail to adequately love their neighbors. In faltering at these commands they do not keep the faith in their walk.

The scriptures do not teach the child of God to be poor. Rather, they teach the disciple to be content such that they might use their wealth to do good for others.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah