MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Did you catch it? Money isn’t evil. But the love of money is. What is your relationship with money? Is it in your thoughts continually on how to get more? When you get more, then what? Are you still thinking on how to get even more?

Money is necessary in our day and time. We need it to pay for housing, food, clothes, utilities, insurance, etc. Back in the good old days, they were able to barter with each other – exchange one thing or service for another. That won’t work in today’s grocery stores, mortgage companies or department stores. We need money to live.

But there are those who want money, no matter the cost. If we were to visit a prison and talk to the thieves, burglars and embezzlers, I wonder if they would say it was worth it. I can’t imagine they would. After all, they are in prison and unable to use any of what they have stolen. But what about those that haven’t been caught? They may have fooled themselves into believing that it is worth it as they are enjoying their ill gotten gains. But will it be worth it when they stand before God?

The root of evil starts out small. Maybe when you were a child you stole a pack of gum from the candy store. Did you feel guilty? Did the guilt eat at you until you confessed? Or did you rejoice that you did not get caught? Your thievery was a success! And now you want to try to get bigger and better stuff. The root starts to grow. It seems easier to steal than to work for the money. You see what someone else has and you want it, so you steal it. You lie to yourself saying that they have lots of money. Or, they have insurance to cover it, so it’s no loss to them. Lies start creeping in and soon we have convinced ourselves that we are not hurting anyone. Really? No one? We have traded our soul for things that will perish. You have heard “the one with the most toys wins.” God has something to say about that.

1Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
1Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

When we die, we leave it all here (1Timothy 6:7). All we have is our soul. Unless we sold it to the devil because of our love for money. It’s true we can’t take it with us, but we can send it ahead.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So, what lies do we tell ourselves? At work, do we take little things here and there (pens, pads, paper)? Do we think “I haven’t had a raise in years – this is owed to me!” The lies start out small. Typically, a job is 8 hours a day and there is usually a lunch break somewhere in the middle. Do you work all the hours – all 8 of them? Do you steal a few minutes here, an hour there, for personal business? Your employer may allow this – especially when business is slow and that is a wonderful benefit. But for those that don’t allow it, this becomes theft to the employer. You are stealing their time.

The root can then continue to grow and then you're skimming cash off the top. Who’s gonna know? God! We can do nothing behind His back. Skimming cash can lead to embezzling the employer’s funds. Many have gone to jail for this very crime. You see, it’s not just a sin – it is also a crime.

Contentment is the answer. When we are content with what we have, we won’t be looking for ways to score riches.

Look around you – what do you have? A place to live? Even if it is only sleeping on a friend’s couch - it is still shelter. Do you have food? Even if it is only ramen noodles – it is food. Do you have transportation? Even if you don’t own a car, there are other ways to get around – bus, taxi, a friend. Do you have clothing? Even if they are not designer jeans or the latest fashion – they still cover your body.

God’s word says that He will provide and He does. If you have a place to sleep, food to eat and clothes to wear, you have been provided for. God does not promise luxury homes, expensive cars, designer clothes or gourmet meals. He gives us what we need. How we use what He provides will determine what we end up with. If we squander what He has given us, it is our fault if we go without.

What have you done with the things God has provided? Did you use the resources wisely? If so, then you most likely have what you need. When we waste what we are given, it creates a need in us to want more. And then the root starts growing.

So, instead of complaining about things you don’t have, give thanks to God for the things you do have. Focus on all that has been provided. Be grateful for the little things. If we are faithful with a little, we can then be trusted with more.

Luke 16:10-12 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

The secret to enjoying life? Be grateful, thankful and content with what you have.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the New King James Version of the Bible.