This is one of the most misquoted verses in the whole Bible. It is often said that money is the root of all evil, but it isn’t. It’s the love of money that’s the problem. Money is part of the world that God has made, and like everything that he has given us, it can be used well or badly. Time, sex, possessions, creation and anything else you care to name can be used to build or to destroy. Money is the worst possible love affair. It promises so much and delivers so little. It promises happiness, security and peace, and it cannot buy any of them. Indeed, the problem with money is that for the lover of money, it becomes like salt water. It leaves you permanently thirsty.

It’s no wonder that Paul spoke so bluntly about money. He was keen that Timothy shouldn’t fall for the temptation himself and that he should teach clearly on the subject to his congregations. In our deeply materialistic society, it is absolutely crucial that our churches should hear clear positive preaching about money. To be honest, I get nervous when I hear church leaders talking about their reluctance to preach on the subject. I believe such teaching is vital if we are to grow in our Christian faith. Our society will constantly try to lure us into wanting more and more money, and we need to be strong in standing up to it.

Jesus spoke often on the subject of money, and he got to the heart of the issue when he pointed out that it was impossible to serve both God and money. You can only do one of the two. Having money, even a great deal of money, is not the issue. It’s the love of it that is the problem, and what God wants is that we should love him above anything else.

How important is money to you?

Lord God our Father, thank you for the money that you have entrusted to me. Help me to use it wisely and never to allow it to dominate my life. Amen