Daily Devotions
The Love of Money
The Love of Money
Reading for September 12: Daniel 4-5
Weekly reading for September 9-15: 1 Timothy 1-6
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil... But you, O man of God, flee these things...
1 Timothy 6:10-11
Paul encouraged Timothy to flee the love of money. How is this done? I'll suggest five ways:
1. Fear the danger. Money has the ability to "drown" us spiritually through "foolish and harmful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Money creates opportunities for the flesh. The devil opens many doors to us that are typically closed when we're poor. Be constantly aware of this!
2. Remember who you are. Paul addresses Timothy as a "man of God" in this exhortation. Do not let money define you! Your life is in Christ, not in that nice house, or fancy car, or fine clothes, or bank account.
3. Work on spiritual growth. The next admonition to Timothy was to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11) Money can take our eyes off of our goal. On the flip side, if we focus our energy on growing in Christ, money will not be as much of a temptation for us.
4. Focus on the end. We must remember "we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7).
5. Give it away! Timothy was to instruct the rich to "do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18).
Father, we thank you for our wealth. Give us discernment that we might not be slaves to it, but that our wealth might be used to advance your purposes in this world.
