“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.” — 1Tim. 6:10

We’ve all heard or read that verse from the Word of God before but many simply miss the key phrase and meaning in the verse that talks of one’s bank account, pocketbook, safe or sock drawer.

Read the first line again...“For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil...”

Catch that? Money itself is not the root of all evil. The Bible actually says that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.

And boy oh  boy, do we have a lot of evil in this world today. But is it just the love of money that causes all of today’s evils?

I’m not sure but I’m leaning towards yes. The more God is eliminated from people’s lives, evil creeps in.

But, it’s not the physical or figurative perception of money that is the problem...it’s people’s hearts. It’s really that simple. You see, when you focus most (if not all) of your attention on making money, improving your job situation, buying more things, driving the best car, etc. — all that does is take the attention away from your relationship with your Creator and with others.

God doesn’t care if you take your Aston Martin or BMW for a spin to the beach. He doesn’t care if you throw on a tuxedo to attend a gala or you buy your employees mink coats. He doesn’t care if you build your savings account into a secure retirement future.

All that He cares is you don’t forget about Him, the One who provided for all that you have.

It’s your heart He covets not your riches.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, “No one 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 money.” (Matthew 6:24).

It’s a choice. If accumulating wealth causes you to shun your relationship with God and others, then you are doing evil. If climbing on the backs of others to get to the top of the ladder in your job is your passion, then call it what it is...evil. We either love God, or we love money.

Later in Matthew, Jesus spells it all out for us.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

When we choose relationships over financial gain, God honors that choice.

Remember in Genesis 13, when Abraham and Lot had both grown so wealthy that the land they were on wasn’t able to support the herds of both of them? Their employees were starting to get into fights about the limited resources that were available.

Abraham decided that the best answer was for him and Lot to part ways. And even though Abraham had the right to choose the best land for himself because he was Lot’s uncle, he deferred to Lot and let him choose which way to go. Lot selfishly chose the more desirable land and headed off in that direction.

Abraham chose his relationship with Lot over the financial gain of the best resources. Contrast that with Lot who chose to prioritize his own financial gain and in the process ended up on Sodom.

In the end, Abraham was blessed by God and grew far wealthier than he was when he and Lot parted ways. However Lot didn’t fare so well. He lost everything when he barely escaped the destruction of Sodom with his life.

We will do well to make Abraham’s choice and prioritize relationships over financial gain. By doing so we will remove the love of money from our lives.