ICS Daily Devotions
The Love of Money
1 Timothy 6:10-11 (NKJV) 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. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Godliness is not measured based on our affluence or net worth. Both the rich and the poor can have their trust in money and have it as an idol in their lives. It is the love of money, the trust in money and covetousness that has caused it to become an idol in our lives. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil. One can love mammon more than God regardless whether one is rich or poor. Money is neutral because all of us will need it to survive and to pay our bills while we are living on earth. God will continue to deal with the issue in our hearts if we have allowed idolatry to creep into our lives.
The Jews believe that prosperity comes to them when God is pleased with them. It has to do with their observation of the Mosaic covenant which is a conditional covenant. However, we know that the Law is a school master who teaches us what sin is but it can never make us righteous. If righteousness can come by the law then Christ would have died in vain. Therefore, Jesus’ disciples went from being astonished to greatly astonished when Jesus mentioned that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God because they were affluent people who owned businesses and had money. Jesus later clarified that it is difficult for those who TRUST in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God because riches had become an idol in their lives. Jesus also mentioned that while it is impossible with men, it is possible with God that rich people are able to enter God’s kingdom. What Jesus meant was, one can have huge amount of possessions without allowing money to become an idol in our lives. The key is to know that the source of our provision is God and that we are stewards of His riches.
Jesus was not against anyone having money or being rich but He was against money being the god in their lives. Jesus wasn’t poor when he was ministering on earth because Judas was in charge of the money box. The money was provided by people who supported Jesus’ ministry after He had ministered to them. The money that Jesus had in the money box was able to provide for Himself, the twelve disciples when they were following Jesus and also to give to the poor when the occasions arose. Therefore, the real issue is not having more than enough money but when money begins to dictate our lives or has control over us. While we are not saved by the law or good works including giving up our worldly possessions but we are definitely saved to do good works including helping the poor.
Sermon Series : Balancing Godliness and Riches
