What is the root of all evil?
The Bible shares with us in 1 Timothy 6:3-10 about the LOVE OF MONEY
Most people and churches have misquoted or even said …
“Money is the root of all evil.”
But the Bible tells of differently. 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us …
“For the love of money is a root of all evil.”
Note the Bible says for the LOVE of money not money. So Money isn’t the root of all evils, it is the love of money.
So let us not love money. Too many of us fall into wanting to get richer in wealth. Let me tell you we ought to be getting richer in the Lord and we also ought to “Love One Another” As it is written in John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
And also stated in 1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
The above verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
Hebrews 13:5 HCSB
Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
Today too many churches are preaching that if you are well with the Lord you will be rich financially and with good health. This is far from the truth. These prosperity preachers are false teachers. Do not listen to them. We are told we will be prosecuted because of Christ.(Matthew 5:11 & Matthew 10:22 & John 15:21)
We are also told to sell all we have and give to the poor and follow Christ. (Matthew 19:21 & Mark 10:21 & Luke 18:22) This doesn’t mean go into poverty. It just means that Christ should come first before anything we own or have. that possessions and money shouldn’t control us or have a hold on us.
We are to lay our treasures in Heaven, not in Earthly things. See Matthew 6:19-21.
First published March 4, 2012. Republishing April 8, 2015. New graphic added April 22, 2015.
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Great topic and reminder, Steve! From Genesis to Revelation, we are reminded of how important our hearts are and the things we love are to God. Anything we value more than God is a form of idol worship.
Yes that is so true Matt. Anything we put before God becomes an idol. It can even be people. Thanks for the comment Matt.
@Steve Patterson Sometimes idols can be money, power, prestige, fame, etc.
How do you fold the money to say root of all evil ? Would love to use as a visual in sunday school.