The Root of All Evil?
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...
-1 Timothy 6:10
It has been wrongly said that the Bible teaches money is the root of all evil. The Bible teaches no such thing.
Rather, it teaches "the
love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10, emphasis added). There is a difference.
The issue is not money, but the love of it. Verse 10 continues, "for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
So we see that as a result of coveting money, some actually have strayed from the faith.
You might look at someone who has been blessed financially and think,
That person is obviously very worldly and money-oriented. Then you look at those who have very little and conclude that they aren't materialistic.
But the fact of the matter is that just the opposite may be true. It may be that the person who has been blessed gives more than you will ever know, but doesn't tell anyone about it. It also may be that the person who has very little is obsessed with money.
The point is that if you are obsessed with money, it can destroy your life spiritually. For some people, having a lot could result in their spiritual ruin.
We need to find the right balance, just as one writer in Proverbs observed: "Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8-9).
[ Pastor Greg Laurie ]
Harvest Crusades are NOW Archived click BANNER or HERE
Seeking God's Face
You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek.
- Psalm 27:8
It is a sign of maturity to seek God for who He is, not just for what He can do for us. If my husband returned from a long trip away from home, I would meet him at the airport thrilled to see him. Because I care about him, he delights in giving me things to show me his love. However, if I met him at the airport excited-not over his being home, but over finding out what gift he had brought me-he might be hurt and offended. I have found that when I seek God's face (His presence) to get to know my wonderful, loving heavenly Father better, His hand is always open to me.
We need to seek after one thing, and one thing only, and that is to dwell in God's presence, because only there can we experience the fullness of joy (See Psalm 16:11, 27:4).
[ Joyce Meyer Ministries ]
When the Spirit Moves You-Move!
Today's Scripture
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever thought about giving someone a compliment and just didn't do it? Perhaps you have put off writing that special thank-you note? Maybe you've resisted the "feeling" you've had about visiting the doctor or starting that exercise program. There are many reasons why we neglect doing the things that we know we should do. Maybe we don't think they are necessary, or we are just too busy and don't want to take the time.
Every time we hear that prompting from the Holy Spirit, the devil loves to whisper in our ear, "you can't do that," "you're too busy," "people don't care what you think." Let me encourage you to stop believing the lies of the enemy!
Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." With Jesus' help, you can do anything. Don't put off doing the things you know the Lord has instructed you to do. When you do your part and step out in faith, God will do His. As you are obedient, God will pour out his blessings and favor on you and you will experience the abundant life He has for those who trust Him.
A Prayer for Today
I want to be still and listen to You. I will put aside all the distractions so that I am able to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit inside me. Lead me to step out in faith today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
(Today's Word is archived.)
[ Joel Osteen Ministries ]
