The God of Money

In today’s world, wealth and financial success are often viewed as indicators of personal achievement and respectability. Yet, the Bible reminds us of a different perspective on wealth—a perspective rooted not in pride, greed, or selfish gain but in humility, generosity, and gratitude. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, gave a powerful warning: “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). This insight speaks to a danger that has been woven through the fabric of human history: when money is loved above all else, destruction often follows, not only for individuals but also for nations.

Paul's phrase, “the love of money,” points to an internal posture, an attachment to wealth that can corrupt motives, cloud judgment, and ultimately consume a person’s values and priorities. Many nations in history have been lured by this love, only to find themselves on paths of self-destruction. Ancient Rome, for instance, allowed its dedication to wealth and luxury to eclipse its moral foundations. It wasn’t long before the empire began to rot from the inside out, overindulged and disconnected from the needs of its people. Similarly, the Spanish Empire, once a powerful global force, became obsessed with the gold and silver they plundered from the Americas. The wealth gained did not strengthen Spain but instead contributed to its decline, fostering corruption, inflation, and ultimately, collapse.

Another somber example is the story of African nations entangled in the transatlantic slave trade, a period during which many leaders sought wealth and power through commerce with European traders. Coastal kingdoms like the Kingdom of Dahomey and the Asante Empire participated in the slave trade, seeing an opportunity to obtain European goods and resources in exchange for prisoners of war or captives from neighboring tribes. While they may have believed this would bring prosperity, the true cost was devastating. Millions of lives were torn from their homeland, communities were fractured, and African societies were weakened under the burden of this exploitation. Proverbs 22:16 warns, “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” This painful legacy stands as a testament to the tragic consequences of placing wealth above human dignity.

These historical lessons reflect a truth woven into scripture. Christ himself warned, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Here, Jesus does not present the choice between God and the devil but between God and money. This teaching challenges our allegiance, questioning whether we use wealth as a tool to honor God or as a god itself. Money is not inherently evil, but when it becomes the ultimate pursuit, it begins to govern our decisions, our ethics, and our sense of worth.

Jesus' message is also about balance. He never condemned the wealthy outright; rather, he cautioned them about the unique responsibility and potential pitfalls they face. In Luke 12:48, we read, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Wealth, therefore, is not condemned but considered a gift that brings with it a responsibility—a call to bless others, to give generously, and to live in a way that reflects God's love and provision. The writer of Proverbs echoes this sentiment: “A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16). But in this opportunity lies a warning: while our gifts and resources can create room for influence, they should never bring doom to others. Using wealth as a means to control, manipulate, or exploit can corrupt even the most promising paths and ultimately harm those around us.

Scripture also offers a strong caution to the rich. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul advises, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Paul encourages the wealthy to remember the fleeting nature of riches and to place their hope instead in God, who is steadfast and trustworthy. This hope leads to a life marked by generosity and kindness rather than arrogance or self-sufficiency.

The love of money can indeed be the root of all evil because it opens the door to pride, greed, and even idolatry. When wealth becomes the god we serve, it enslaves us to a world of worry, self-centered ambition, and a constant hunger for more. Nations, just like individuals, face a choice. History reminds us that no empire, however mighty, is invulnerable to the power of greed. But the hope lies in aligning ourselves with God, using wealth as a tool to uplift, build, and serve rather than to consume or destroy. 

In a society where wealth is often the measure of a man, let us remember that our value does not come from riches but from a heart aligned with the purposes of God. May we choose to serve God wholeheartedly, remembering that He is the ultimate provider, and may our resources be used to spread His love, justice, and peace. 

Get at me, 

Frank Henderson, Lead Pastor

thrive@epicfc.org

www.epicfc.org