1 Timothy 6:10
“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.”
God never said that money in and of itself is evil. God did say that the “love of money is the root of all evil.” Money is simply a part of life that everyone must have to exist, but when a person gets to the point where they love it, then they will become evil and will get it in any way they possibly can.
The root of corruption is the love of money. Governments become corrupt when political parties will do whatever they have to do just to control the money of that government. The love of money causes politicians to lie, malign other candidates and even falsely accuse them so they will be indicted. The love of money is at the root of every corrupt government.
CEO’s, preachers and people who want to have sole control of the money are people who are corrupt because of their love of money. Their desire to have the sole control of the purse strings will cause them to hurt others just so that they can use the money for their own personal gain. Money is powerful, but we must avoid the trap of loving money. Let me give you some suggestions on how to keep yourself from entering into the root of corruption of loving money.
First, keep money in its proper perspective. Always remember that money is simply a tool we use in life that allows us to pay bills and serve the LORD. Keep the perspective that money is not yours but God’s, and He is simply allowing you to be the steward of what you have.
Second, always have checks and balances when it comes to money. Always remember the no one person should ever control all the money. In the household, both husband and wife should involved in the finances. In churches, the pastor and deacons should be very open about where the money is spent. Nobody is above corruption when they have total control of the money, and that is why everyone must be accountable to others when it comes to finances.
Third, stop thinking about money. One of the causes of corruption is when everything a person does is about money. Don’t get me wrong, you must learn to use your money wisely, but don’t let money control your thinking processes.
Fourth, don’t get involved in money-making schemes. Friend, one of the greatest reasons people get themselves into trouble is because they go to money making seminars over and over again, and all these seminars do is pump your mind with the mentality that you deserve more money. When you acquire that mentality, you won’t care who you hurt on the way to acquiring money, and that is evil.
When you keep the scriptural principle of working to get money, then you will find greediness and covetousness will soon flee away. There is nothing wrong with a person learning to use their money wisely and becoming wealthy, but when money becomes the love of your life, then corruption will set in and you will do evil things to get it.
Money is only a tool. It is a tool we must use to do the LORD’s work. Let God have your pocketbook and ask Him what you should do with your money. When you give your money to God and ask Him how you should earn it or spend it, then you will see that He will keep you honest with your money dealings.