BY ERVIN M. ALMEDINA
IS THE BELIEF that money is the root of evil all true? Isn’t money essential? Don’t we use it to obtain our basic needs, to take care of our family, and also to help other people in need? “So how an it be the root of all evil?,” one may argue.
What does the Bible say regarding this? Apostle Paul declared: “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” (I Tim. 6:10, New King James Version, emphasis ours).
The “root of all kinds of evil then is not money per se but the “love of money”. People, especially in these last days, will become lovers of money. The Bible foretold through the same apostle that” … people will love only themselves and their money …” (II Tim. 3:2, Living Bible).
Our Lord Jesus Crist warned against being too occupied with gaining material riches, saying, thus:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36, NKJV). Indeed, the Bible clarifies, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath” for neither their silver nor their gold can save man in “the day of the LORD’S wrath” or Judgment Day (Pro. 11:4; Zeph. 1:18; II Pet 3:7, 10 Ibid.).
That is why our Lord Jesus Christ gave this warning: “… Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be” (Luke 12:15, Today’s English Version).
One’s love or excessive desire for money is shown in the manner by which he obtains and uses money or material wealth. It is people’s love of money that has made the present times perilous, for others will lie, cheat, bribe, slander, and even kill just to get it. That is why Apostle Paul said: “…in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian. For people will love only themselves and their money …” (II Tim. 3:1-2, LB). He also said, “Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (I Tim 6:17, Ibid.).
For true Christians, money is primarily used for a higher purpose—in giving glory to God. Apostle Paul teaches: “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well” (I Tim. 6:18-19, Ibid.)
Agreed.