There are a lot of myths when it comes to money. This week, I want to share with you one of the more common myths that I hear: “money is the root of all evil.”  As you examine the verse in I Timothy 6:10, you see that it says, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”  It is not money in itself that is evil, it is our love of it that leads us into evil. The primary question from this verse is, “am I putting money above God in my life?”

As a follower of Christ, I want Him to be first, but it is very easy to be distracted by other, tangible or natural things that we believe will bring us life and wholeness.  It is our sinful nature that causes us to worship false gods, such as money.  So, how do I know if I am putting my trust in money above God and opening the door to evil? 

I think the answer is found in examining two specific types of “fruit” in our lives: our attitude and our actions.

What is your attitude toward money?  Does your heart hold tightly to your money?  Do you spend a lot of time obsessing over your plans or fears about your money?  Do you engage in “retail therapy” on a regular basis as a way to regulate your emotions?  In short, do you allow your emotions to be dictated by your financial state?  If so, you could, potentially, have a love of money.

What are your financial actions like?  Examine your checkbook to see where your money goes.  Are you spending more money than you make?  Are you giving any money away?  Are you consistent in your debt repayment and savings habits?  In short, do you exhibit self-discipline in relationship to your money?

If you find that your financial attitudes and actions reveal an unhealthy attachment to or obsession with money and its benefits, you probably are in a position of putting money ahead of God in your life as a source of life and wholeness.  Dealing with “bad fruit” in our financial life is just like dealing with “bad fruit” in other areas of our lives.  We must get to the root of the issue.

Rooting out a love of money happens when we return our focus to God as our Provider and Protector.  

Also, we need to acknowledge that His plans and purposes for us (including during challenging financial times) are good.  Having faith in God rather than faith in our money is a challenging discipline, especially when money feels like an “easy fix.”  Bottom line: God wants us to trust Him and to experience His love and provision for us.