Secondly, I believe that 1 Timothy 6:10 is one of the oft-misquoted verses in the entire Bible right up there with “God helps those who help themselves,” which is usually attributed to Benjamin Franklin or possibly Algernon Sydney, NOT the Bible.
Money is Not the Root of All Evil
1 Timothy 6:10 says…“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Notice the verse says the “LOVE“ of money is a “root” of all kinds of evil. Also notice that it said that money is A “root,” not even THE root of all evil.
The verse goes on to say…“Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Meaning that the real problem is with people (not money) when they begin doing things that are unscriptural to acquire wealth.
Money Misconceptions
I read an article a few weeks ago by Ray Higdon, who is an extremely successful coach in the home business and network marketing arenas. In the article, Ray addresses these woefully misguided misconceptions about money and warns that these mindsets that focus on money being evil actually hamper folks from becoming financially successful.
Poverty is Noble – NOT
It is amazing to me how many people actually think that it is nobler to be poor than wealthy. I contend that most people who believe this are probably broke. Think about it – how well do you serve society, your family, and your church by being broke? Not too much!
Money Causes Problems
People will also claim that money causes problems. Some say that suicide is higher among the wealthy and that children from wealthy homes are usually unhappy and end up in trouble. Sorry, but these things happen in broke families as well.
Don’t Be a Money Hater
If you personally do not have aspirations to become financially successful, that is fine and that is certainly your prerogative. However, that does not give you the right to criticize those who have great wealth or aspire to create wealth for themselves and their families. To draw sweeping generalizations about the wealthy is just as bad as making generalizations about a particular ethnic group. Yet it seems that many people consider themselves enlightened for leveling such judgments against the wealthy.
Money CAN Buy Happiness
And finally, there are those who say “Money can’t buy happiness.” REALLY? SERIOUSLY? Pardon me, but the last time I checked money buys food, clothing, shelter, medical care, transportation, and education. I contend that people are much happier when they are healthy, well-fed, clothed, and have a roof over their heads. Therefore, money is not the root of all evil.
Be Careful What You Believe About Money
The important takeaway is to be a bit more careful as to what beliefs you allow yourself to hold on to. And, regardless of your aspirations, you need to let go of beliefs that do not serve you. I share Ray’s sentiment when he says, “My hope is for you to be happy, rich or not, and for you to live a fulfilling life.” I hope that you have found this article helpful, and I hope that you are coming to realize that money is not the root of all evil as many would say. Don’t give up on your dreams of building freedom for yourself and your family through your own home business!
