Money is the root of all evil, right? If we just gave up on money all would be well. Somehow the Bible verse that calls out “the love of money” as the root of all evil got twisted.
For the Love of Money is the root of all evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 1 Timothy 6:10
Love of Money: What is Really Causing the Problem is Deeper Than You Think
Just looking over the internet at all the classes on making money, managing money, figuring out how to save money teaching our children about money, tells me we are still consumed with the Love of Money.
I admit it, I enjoy making money. Making and storing money makes me feel comfortable, valuable, powerful and sometimes loved.
I then feel all the reverse when I am without money, self-loathing, fear, anxiety, discomfort; when I am not making money or not making and storing enough money.
It is a proverbial roller coaster, affecting my moods, my family, my health.
I have given money enormous power over my life. You might say money has God-like power over my life.
Financial Recovery from Money Idols
The Bible shares with its readers how easily the love of money steps in front of God’s plans to love and provide for his creation. Are you letting money become an idol? This is a quiz developed by Celebrate Recovery to check your thoughts on Money.
- Being unclear about your financial situation. Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.
- Frequently “borrowing” items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, that you fail to return.
- Poor saving habits. Not planning for taxes, retirement or other non-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a “live for today, don’t worry about tomorrow” attitude.
- Compulsive shopping. Being unable to pass up a “good deal”; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you’ve purchased.
- Difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met.
- Experiencing a different feeling when buying things on credit than when paying cash: A feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown up.
- Living in constant chaos and creating drama about money. Using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always contending with financial crises.
- A tendency to live on the edge. Living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance; writing checks hoping the money will appear to cover them.
- Unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment when having a normal discussion about money.
- Overworking or under-earning. Working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level.
- An unwillingness to care for and value yourself. Living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your basic needs in order to pay your creditors.
- A feeling or hope that someone will take care of you, if necessary, so that you won’t really get into serious financial trouble; that there will always be someone you can turn to for rescue.
Poor Money Management
Are You In a Hopeless Situation With Money?
For most of us, the answer is no. We work, we pay our bills, we have shelter, enough food, and clean water so why don’t we have at least $400 in an emergency fund.
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also” Matt 6:21
My Pastor loves to say, “check your calendar and your checkbook that will tell you where your treasure is.”
Start With These Two Areas
- Be clear about your financial situation–knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.
- Ask God to show you where you need to shift your thoughts to honor Him with your time and money.
Jesus spends a lot of time in the Gospel of Mathew explaining how valuable we are to God and that his blessings are for all of us. Financial management is trusting God and dealing with our money through His wisdom.
Where your time and checkbook go there also goes your heart. Sit down and look at a month of time and expenses. Take that into your prayer time. There was a time that I placed my checkbook under my feet as I sat in prayer.
This will involve God, trust, and surrender. Some parts will require a pencil and paper, journaling, and prayer. I can undoubtedly say it will change your life if you continue.
You are not alone in this struggle. Money is neutral. By loving money we give it power over us. God gives us freedom from the hurt, anxiety, and struggle of this addictive love.
Read More on God and Money
Five Positively Powerful Financial Habit of A Woman of Valor
The difficulty of money is that we need it, so we can’t just cut it out of our lives like we would do for any other addiction. The greatest resource I have found is Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He provides Scripture-based advice and techniques that will be effective in gaining control back and staying focused on Him! Thanks for the quiz; it really enlightens me on where I stand with money!
Yes I agree! It is like food addiction. We can’t just walk away from food like drugs and alcohol Not that that is easy either. The real question I think is what are we trying to fill in ourselves by overspending and putting money above relationships and love of God. The quiz was eye-opening for me too!
This is a great article and such an important topic for our society currently. Our family lives off of one income so we can homeschool. But before we started we made sure we paid off all debts and credit cards. I’m so glad you focused on the “love” of money that is the problem and not money itself.
So smart! Debt is a big hindrance for many of life’s desires. Yes, the verse gets misquoted a lot. It is certainly when it becomes #1 above God and family that it is a real issue.
Wow! I had to answer yes to at least one of those, which is extremely disconcerting. My husband and I have just really realized the power we’ve been allowing the prospect of savings potential on new jobs rule our mindset. We pushed God out on our big decision of where to move, live, and teach next. So excited that I chose to open this article up! Thank you!
Awesome that you are processing that now. We also just moved for a promotion. We spent a long time in prayer over where and how to live. We have chosen not to buy a house and to stay in a smaller living arrangement to afford me to be home when the boys get out of school. Now we are looking at how to make the dollars work for us instead of us for them. It is always a good time to hit your knees- before, during and after a decision. He loves you and wants to hear from you!