Love of Money

Love of Money

Let's start off by ascertaining what the most important commodity is: happiness.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
[I Timothy 6:6]

That means doing things in a Godly way, and being happy at the same time. It's the best case scenario. That's what we need to strive for.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
[I Timothy 6:7]

No matter how much treasure you heap up on earth, no matter how much vanity you heap up in this world, you can't take it with you when you give up the ghost. The only true treasure is in heaven. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus tells us to lay treasure up in heaven, not on earth.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
[I Timothy 6:8]

Be happy with what you have. As long as you have food and clothing, you are amply equipped to enjoy yourself immensely. Having too little or too much can be a distraction. Let's take a look at Proverbs:

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
[Proverbs 30:8]

David asks the Lord for just enough earthly substance to be satisfied. In the next verse, he explains why.

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
[Proverbs 30:9]

Too little, and the temptation arises to doubt the Lord, and feel forsaken. Too much, and the temptation arises to no longer need God.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
[I Timothy 6:9]

In other words, do not seek to be rich. The desire to make money will lead you off the path of freedom. The more you desire money, the more you will feel like a prisoner. At first, the temptation of getting rich feels great. You will feel energized. But then after awhile, you will lose focus on the important things. It will lead to an obsession. Money itself is not addictive, but the passion towards obtaining money is addictive.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
[I Timothy 6:10]

Notice, it's not money that's evil, it's the love of money that's evil. Relying on money to make you happy is the path towards emptiness. Days, weeks, months, and years will go by like nothing. There's nothing wrong with being rich. Just make sure you are not in love with being rich.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[I Timothy 6:11]

In other words, stay away from greed. Instead of seeking money, seek the invisible things of God that are mentioned above: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Write them down. Make these things your goal. Make this your obsession.

But what if my finances are tight and I'm out of work? I need to worry about money first, before I can worry about those other things.

No, you got it backwards. Seek the invisible things of God, and everything else will be taken care of. Look at Matthew 6:31 and Matthew 6:33.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[Matthew 6:31]

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[Matthew 6:33]

The kingdom of God is summed pretty accurately in I Timothy 6:11: "Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." So, seek those six things, and your spirit will be lifted immeasurably; and on top of that, all the physical necessities you require will be added to you.