A Root to Kill

 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

 It is a fact; we need money for food, clothing, housing, medical needs—they are not free; it costs to live in this world. The warning here is not having money but to long for and love it.

God supplies our every need, and we should rest content in His provisions. We didn’t bring anything into this world, and nothing goes with us when we leave it behind. Lustful desires entice us daily and, if not watchful, will draw us away from God’s goodness. When our soul’s enemy sees someone unsatisfied with God’s provisions, willing to do whatever it takes to gain wealth by this world’s riches, he will bait his hook accordingly to oblige. He will snare that person by their yearnings and fulfill the flesh's desires—caught by the tempter (James1 :13–15).

In mentoring, Paul taught Timothy true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth, warning him about the dangers of greed. Those who long for riches are vulnerable to harmful desires’ entrapment that causes some believers to turn from the faith, falling into grief and sometimes destruction because they craved wealth. Timothy was to teach the wealthy not to trust in their money but God and guard themselves against pride; to do good, be generous, and willing to help others in need instead of hoarding riches. By doing so, they would store up true riches for the future. 

Paul’s admonition is for us also. We must never set our hope and security on the uncertainty of riches but on our trustworthy God who, without fail, supplies our every need.