Antioch Baptist Church

The Love Of Money

I Timothy 6:10  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.

The love of money, (Covetousness) is the root of all evil. Money itself has little value. It is just paper, metal, or something that gives power or the ability to purchase what someone wants. The value and power that it enables people to have is what makes it coveted after. 

Covetousness is an attitude of lust and the sin of coveting is what has brought and will continue to bring devastation and destruction; not only on a personal level, but on a national and worldwide level. All sin has a price tag that few want to pay when payment comes due and coveting is no exception.

It is important to understand that covetousness leads to most all crimes and sins. It leads to theft, murder, sexual promiscuity, idolatry, bitterness, resentment, and ultimately, discontent. People can covet money, fame, clothing, toys, houses, bicycles, things, education, power, influence, etc. The Bible is clear in both the Old Testament and the New Testament in declaring God’s attitude toward covetousness: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Exodus 20:17 Also: Deuteronomy 5:21, Romans 13:9.

Much of our American economy is driven by the sin of coveting. Many businesses take advantage of man’s tendency to covet and try to make money from it. The television industry thrives on the money it makes for the ads it sells and the unholy lifestyles that Hollywood promotes. Each one of these ads is aimed at convincing the audience that there is something better and more wonderful than what they have. They know that creating an atmosphere of discontent is the key to a sale. Store displays, street signs, and even celebrities displaying something new and different that we do not have, often make us want that item.

With all the things of this world that we have coveted, not one of those things has ever given us contentment. When we finally get whatever it is we have coveted after, we always eventually want something else. “…so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverb 27:20! Since things, life-changes, life-styles, or anything we can obtain will never diminish our desire to have more, what can one do to have the peace and joy that God desires for us to have? The Bible’s solution for all to be truly satisfied in their Christian journey is Godliness with contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1Tim. 6:6

Now consider the word of the Apostle Paul:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” I Timothy 6:8

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  Hebrews 13:5

                                                                                              Rev. J.R. Childers