Have you ever heard the expression, “Money is the root of all evil?” You probably have, but this expression is incorrect. The origin of this saying comes from Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In it, Paul writes:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (emphasis added). )

1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV

In this verse, Paul warns Timothy about false teachers whose motivation for teaching the gospel comes from a love of money and who think that “godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Timothy 6:5 NIV). Paul points out that “those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV). Then, Paul states that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” This is the context for this saying, and in this context, it makes a lot of sense. People will do anything to get more money. 

As Paul is wrapping his letter, he tells Timothy.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)

When I read these verses, I thought of something Jesus said.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (emphasis added).

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Jesus tells us to store up for ourselves treasures in Heaven, and I believe Paul tells us how to do this in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. I know Paul spoke about those who are “rich in the present world” (NIV). Still, I believe we can apply this to ourselves even if we’re not millionaires or billionaires. Here’s what Paul suggests we do:

  1. Don’t be arrogant by putting your hope in wealth (this is any abundance we could call wealth, such as money, health, good looks, intelligence, etc.). 
  2. Put your hope in God. 
  3. Do good things and be rich in good deeds. 
  4. Be generous and willing to share.

The promise is that by doing these things, we will have treasure in Heaven and a “firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV). The coming age is eternity (Heaven). Furthermore, Paul points out that those who do these things will “take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV). In pursuing money and well-being in this life, many people will spend the rest of eternity in hell because they’re not seeking God first. Or at all. Jesus gives us this promise in Matthew 6.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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