“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
Some people often misquote the Bible by saying, “Money is the root of all evil”. However, this is not so. Money is not a want, it is a need. The LOVE OF MONEY is however the root of all evil.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians wrote “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 In 1 Timothy 6:6 it states “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” One of the keys to a life of peace, especially as a Christian is contentment. You may not have all that you think you want but remember that God has promised to supply all you need. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
The choice to be or not to be contented is the one that determines the lives that some live and the corresponding actions of many. My dad always told us not to be jealous, envious or covetous but to be thankful and contented. You may see many changing cars frequently, building mega houses, and from head to toe may total about a thousand dollars, but you never know.
There is a prevailing problem in our territory and it is one of greed and covetousness. Too many people are trying to not only “Keep up with the Joneses” but to far surpass the Jones, at all cost and in the process are losing their integrity, and bringing themselves and their families to shame, not to mention helping to populate the local prison. If it is not yours, don’t take it up and employees that includes office stationery.
But God is saying to all of us today that we need to be contented. Now, being contented does not mean that you have to drive your 1980 Honda until it is practically falling to pieces and being a noise hazard when you drive it. It is not a sin to get a new vehicle, a new home, a wife, a husband, a business, a new wardrobe. The important thing is not what you acquire but how you acquire it. Be sure that what you obtain is by legal and honest means. The Bible does not lie and in Numbers 32:23b it states “…behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”
You see, God is the one keeping record, but sometimes unknown to you, so are the legal authorities. God sees and God knows ALL THINGS. Man may not know and man may not see the bribes, the thefts, the under the table deals, the forged documents but God sees and if you obtain things dishonestly or through illegal means it is just a matter of time before EXPOSURE and shame comes.
Do not sell your soul to the devil and lose your soul in hell, just to have money and own possessions. Do not allow the almighty dollar bill to become your God. It is not worth it. It is not everything the glitters is gold and if you know an activity is illegal, unscrupulous and dishonest, no matter how much money is being offered or promised do not get involved in it. No matter who all is getting away with it or has gotten away with it, you might just be the one who will not. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Act 17:30
Some people think that Christians are to be poor, live in small houses and drive old cars as an act of humility but that is un-scriptural and a wrong mindset. The Word of God says in 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”. In addition to that, God has made a promise to those who answer His call on their life and are obedient to him. In St. Mark 10:29-31 it states “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
However, the Bible warns against covetousness. In St. Luke 12:15 it states “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Gary do how much people do you give to on a daily basis ? that’s what the person was saying . you speaking of religious but who sounds religious and besides he’s right too , many of our preachers are more into gaining popularity and material things . they don’t deal with those things affecting people today . Gary you just a hypocrite and wolf in sheep clothing hiding under religion .
I feel sorry for you ananymous who quickly cover up and again it’s you all incapability to see what the bible speaks of and you all teach your prosperity doctrines whilst leaving above your means by your preachers who tell you go to bank take loans then bring bills , so we can burn them with fire . Kushoni and more kushoni , you’re vain and far from truth . I careless about political leaders and religious leaders pastors , priests and political leaders all in P’s and they all stand for power fighters …. LOL
@Ananymous:
What you’re espousing is your religious beliefs, it is not the truth as you would like to believe. Truth does not comes from religious beliefs. I’m not there to deny you the right to having your religious beliefs, that’s your beliefs, you’re entitled to them, but at some time there is what we call the truth, and what we call beliefs, All your interpretations and your correct translation does not not lead to the truth at all, it only serves to give credibility to what you want to think and believe as the truth but it is not,
You made the flowing statement quote “i can do without money and many does , but not without food and shelter and clothing” well of course you cannot live without shelter and clothing, but to get those things you need, what, “money, some kind of medium of exchange” to get the shelter and clothing you cannot live without , so what you’re talking about saying you can do without money, tell that to the thousands of people in Haiti who are in need of such basic things. Your writings about Paul and what he said in reference to be dependent on God. You people make it sounds so easy “presto” believe in Lord and savior and everything will be alright, is this how religious dogma does to people thinking, just believing what Paul and the rest said. Well I will tell you it is much more than just believing what Paul and the rest said. Again when you make statements quote ” if a man love the lord with all his heart and soul and substance , he won’t cheat to have , nor steal from his neighbor , nor become jealous , cause he’ll be happy for those who have and pray the Lord to bless them ” Why don’t you start with all the kings in your biblical stories.Chapters 17-19 (17-18-19) tells us that David killed 22,000 Syrians and that Abishai killed 18,000 Edomites. No one expresses shame at such slaughters. Read the story of Gideon in Judges, chapters 6-9 ( 6-7-8-9). The tale of Gideon describes just one of the many horror stories in the Bible, a book that glorifies behaviorThus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (I Samuel 15:2-3)l to modern society. What about the lord himself, thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (I Samuel 15:2-3). You must not just find what you want and believe and present as the truth because of your religious convictions
Why are you accusing the advisers to the Prime Minister, calling them fake, and want hell reserved for them, why you’re so quick to judge, is it because they do not have the same religious beliefs as you or just not a supporter of your Political party, Why show your bittiness, hatred when after writing glorious words of what your lord stand for and what it is to love Jesus, and at the end showing your colors as to who you truly are, it bewilders me.
Ananymous, I will only respond by declaring my praise and thanks to God, in Jesus Christ, to know that there are some of us in this world, who knows Him and is learning more about Him on a daily basis.
You have said the rest of it on my behalf. Amen!
1 Timothy 6:10 – translation quoted is to be enlightened . in gk the term is verse is said to be ” all kinds of evil ” and not all evil . Men sinned before money existed . Secondly , i can do without money and many does , but not without food and shelter and clothing . Be careful your use .
Paul writing to saints who can understand and knows what it means to depend on God was encouraged even as he was to wait on the Lord , who’s the Jehovah – jireh . He said in continue to his boast in the lord exhortation to saints at Phillipe , ‘ but , my God , shall supply all my needs “, this is not a general statement , but a personal assurance . And yes he can supply and promise to supply the needs of those who recieves him as Lord and savior .
3 John 1:2 , the term prosper never indicated getting rich and living big . It also didn’t mean to have and not give unto the poor , or to lord over his people because someone has a lil money . Also didn’t mean that pastors should make merchandise of god’s people . John sought to clarify the self righteousness of man versus God’s . And said we should love , cause this is the character and very nature of god and if a man love the lord with all his heart and soul and substance , he won’t cheat to have , nor steal from his neighbor , nor become jealous , cause he’ll be happy for those who have and pray the Lord to bless them .
Paul said to the Colossians to love them who’re rich but warned those who’re rich to not take advantage or look down on the poor . How many pastors do we see giving people who’re of limited resources intheir assemblies financial aid , as a matter of fact how many visit the shortings . Many have no time , but for the big offering givers and heavy tithers . today before a young man claim pastoring , he wants an SUV , Honda-CRV etc . A really big house , and guess who pays for it . Tha is contentment . how much do you get paid pastor ? Out of that how much do you give back to those who have none ? Do you still have the urge to preach when church budget looks as if it may not be able to sustain you ?
Brother , this won’t be understood by a natural mind . This according to paul is foolishness . however on a more positive note , contentment is in good heart . Being in peace and having the peace of God . money can’t buy that . Knowing that what you have is a blessing from God that maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it . It’s all about the fullest knowlege of God and his fullness of his grace – un-deserved favour . To know him is to know peace , and to know peace is to him , which giveth the peace that passeth all understanding .
He said it’s easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than a rich to exert faith , because he thinks he has it all , but is still not content , cause he won’t give to the poor . gluttony is easily and commonly practiced all because of our lack of contentment and our evil eye to have more . look at for an instance the length and depth at which men would go to have more and more , and even if it cause the sweat of a nation and all around him , he cares less , all he cares is he eagerness to have , more . Some sell their soul , some sell a nation . And still is selling ignorant people to the devil for their materialistic gain .
We also have some fake men of god claiming to be advisors to ministers of government . They benefit under the table and won’t speak out like you bro because they are paid a shut your mouth by the ministers of the devil . reserved in hell are the worst places , for men , discontented , glutton-ous , and self centred so called men of god , who in time of moral crisis , failed to speak but maintained their neutrality .
To my people lets be content with such we have and aim higher to acquire more , not by theft , greed or boast , or ill-will , but by faith .