THE LOVE OF MONEY — A SUBTLE MASTER

When we speak of the love of money, the temptation is to soften it — to pretend the warning applies only to billionaires, corrupt politicians, or televangelists with private jets. But Scripture does not aim its rebuke merely at the wealthy. It aims at the heart. The love of money is not measured by how much a man has, but by how tightly he clings to what he has — or how desperately he longs for what he does not.

The apostle Paul writes with piercing clarity: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice the precision. Money itself is not condemned. It feeds families, funds ministry, builds hospitals, and supports missionaries. But when affection turns into allegiance, when provision becomes obsession, the soul begins to bend out of shape.

First, we must examine our desires honestly. The Bible says, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare” (1 Timothy 6:9). The warning begins not with possession, but with craving. We must ask: Do I want wealth for stewardship — or for status? For generosity — or for security? The heart can disguise greed in respectable clothing.

Second, we must refuse divided loyalty. Jesus spoke plainly: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). He did not say it would be difficult. He said it would be impossible. Money makes a poor savior. It cannot forgive sin. It cannot conquer death. It cannot whisper peace in the night. When we attempt to serve both Christ and cash, one will eventually dominate the other.

Third, we must cultivate contentment. Hebrews exhorts us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Contentment is not complacency; it is confidence in God’s presence. It rests not in the size of a bank account, but in the nearness of a faithful Savior.

The Gospel gives us a better treasure. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The heart follows what it values. If treasure is earthly, the heart sinks with markets and rises with profits. But if treasure is Christ, the heart remains anchored when fortunes fluctuate.

The love of money promises control, but delivers anxiety. It promises freedom, but breeds slavery. It promises significance, but leaves the soul hollow. And yet the cure is not ascetic poverty nor proud prosperity. The cure is reordered affection — loving God supremely and using money faithfully.

So how should Christians think about wealth?

With stewardship.

With gratitude.

With open hands.

With generous hearts.

With vigilance against subtle idolatry.

We do not glorify poverty. We do not demonize prosperity. But we do reject worship of wealth. The cross exposes every false god. And at Calvary we learn that the greatest riches were purchased not with silver or gold, but with precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

The last word over the believer’s life is not “Accumulated.”

It is “Redeemed.”

BDD