“There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Dear Disciple of Christ,
Can I ask you a question? Honestly, do you believe this “stuff?” I mean by “stuff” the glorious and eternally true, Word of the Lord. It is either that or merely reflections of someone who may or may not have an insight into life. What Paul writes above to Timothy didn’t likely fit the mind-set of the people living then any more than it fits life today for us. I mean, really. Paul is identifying the root (foundation, source) of all evils as loving money? At least he isn’t saying that money itself is evil for it is but an instrument that can be used for good or evil, as a tool for holy living or for a cursed life.
Paul is pointing to the danger involved in something that can be good or bad but when loved is always bad. It spreads its roots into all our life and “takes over”. It is dangerous, as dangerous as a loaded weapon lying in a drawer next to our bed or concealed on our person. It can be used in defense but there are many other emotions that can bring out its use (anger, fear, frustration, futility). When we consider the human heart, it must be available only when we are in the best of minds, connected to God and His will. That can be said about guns and money.
In my church in Queens we had a number of Korean families and there Sunday worship was the one day they took off from work (all had their own businesses, most in the sales of fruits requiring early morning runs to the fruit market and long days overseeing sales in their shops). So each week, after worship, they fellowshipped with one another and other church families. For a while, after worship, they would ask me for a number. They would go together and buy lottery tickets and felt the Pastor might well provide the “lucky” winning number. The lottery was started in New York State in 1966 so it was in full force when I arrived in 1982. Stories were circulating about people who had won huge amounts (much more than they would earn in a lifetime by working) and the “sales pitch” was, “You can’t win if you don’t play!” Duh. That makes sense… unless you’re Paul who would suggest, “You can really lose if you do win!”
I never offered a number for them (nor have I ever purchased a ticket). Paul’s warning about loving money is not the first warning we’ve heard in Scripture about the issue and danger. We hear the wisdom of Ecclesiastes (5:10); He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; nor he who loves wealth, with gain: this also is vanity. Really? We won’t be content (satisfied) with an increased amount of money? As Paul concurs he mentions that contentment can be found “if we have food and clothing.” In general, I expect most often we have the feeling that if we had “just a little more” we would reach the level called, “contentment.” This is despite the reality that we have likely much more later in life than earlier in our lives (and may not yet feel completely content). That is certainly the case for my family and me. Our earliest years with me as a pastor were the poorest of our lives. But our kids never knew that. Later in life they were shocked to find out one of the reasons we went camping was because it was the only place we could go for $8 a night (the park fee for a pop up tent camper). We were content to be blessed in the middle of the woods of Canada and Maine. It was simply beautiful and uplifting to be sure.
Jesus Himself discussed the challenge we have which Paul describes above. If we love money, we may join those who have “wandered from the faith.” Can’t we do both? Can’t we love money AND serve the Lord? Jesus doesn’t suggest it is difficult but describes it as an impossibility (Luke 6:13). “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” But we know this is the way things are in the world, don’t we? Isn’t that the very goal in life, to get ahead (of others or of our own past), to have greener grass and bigger cars and check book balances?
But Paul will write that in his second letter to Timothy as well. It is not so among disciples of Christ but will be part of a distinctively different life and lifestyle in the world. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding the form of religion but denying the power of it.” In his mind, the last days had begun then and we can clearly see that they continue to this day. The love of money is part and parcel of life and lifestyle far different from that of disciples of Christ. To wander from the faith opens us up to a life apart from God and His will and His grace. God save us from that life that leads to death eternal.
So, take care. We are blessed in ways that go far beyond most people in the history of the world. May God help us to use what He’s given us to His glory and for His cause.
Peace in His service,
Pastor Johnson