In 1 Timothy 6:10 we read; “For the love of money (avarice- excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain) is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after (stretch toward), they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  Based upon this truth, there is always a need to consider how we view wealth and its use.

The Scripture continues in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 to give us commands which demonstrate the proper attitude concerning wealth, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

An example of this practice in the New Testament is found in Luke 19:1-10 in the person of Zacchaeus.  Verse 2 describes him as rich while verse 8 demonstrates the attitude of generosity and care for honesty that is necessary to be pleasing unto God.  We see the opposite in James 5:1-3.

May we always work to keep spiritual and material matters in the proper focus for we “cannot serve both God and mammon” (Matt. 6: 24).

Keep the Faith