“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this.“

1 Timothy 6:9-11a 

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JULY 7, 2025

In 1 Timothy chapter 6, Paul cautioned his young understudy about the danger of wanting to get rich. People desire riches to acquire possessions, comfort, and social status. If we look at these values in light of Christ’s lifestyle, each one very quickly pales. Jesus’ only possessions were the clothes on His back. His life of public ministry was largely devoid of the comforts of home and family. He associated with the downtrodden and marginalized. There was no hint of aspiration for recognition whatsoever. On the contrary, He admonished His followers to keep quiet about His identity and His miracles.  

Wanting to get rich brings the temptation to pursue the goal at the expense of everything else—and everyone else. A classic example is the character of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Because of his love for gold, Scrooge never married. He cheated his employee, Bob Cratchit, out of a fair wage and reasonably comfortable working environment in order to keep more for himself. He lived to become a miserable lonely old man on his way to ruin and destruction.  

Of course, money per se is not the problem. It is the love of money that gets us into trouble. This was true in the first century when Paul wrote these words, and it is still true today. There is a right way to acquire money through diligent labor and thrift. There is nothing wrong with having money and possessions, but these things are not the goal. The love of money sacrifices integrity, generosity, humility, family, and community, all things that should characterize the life of a believer.  

Paul indicated that even some claiming to have faith were not immune to the lure of money. To love money is to love this world. Love of this world is incompatible with love for God. In the abundance of our suburban living, we can easily profess to be free of the love of money. But if our wealth was suddenly taken away, how would we react?  

Timothy is warned to flee from all of this, and the admonition is for us as well. Let us beware of the dangers of the love of money and flee it by simplifying our lifestyles, pursuing generosity, and treating everyone with equal dignity and respect regardless of economic wellbeing.    

 Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How is the love of money evident in the American church today?  
  • How has the love of money affected your walk with the Lord?  
  • What is your greatest challenge in combating the love of money?    

 Church Reading Plan: Joshua 9; Psalm 140-141