The Lutheran Hour
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"For The Love Of God? Or The Love Of Money?"
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Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
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We’re going to start with a quick Bible quiz today. True or False: The Bible says that, “Money is the root of all evil.” Okay, time’s up. How many of you answered true? Well, you wouldn’t be alone. I’m sure that many answered true. But the correct answer actually is false. You see, the Bible doesn’t say that “money” is the root of all evil. In fact, it says that “the love of money” is the root of all kinds of evil. Okay, I admit, that was kind of tricky. But it is a common misconception. The actual text is from a book of the Bible, 1 Timothy chapter 6 starting with verse 9 where Saint Paul was instructing young pastor by the name of Timothy by saying: “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Now I’m quite sure that any number of Biblical sayings and stories have been corrupted over the years and misquoted. And in this case it’s only one word – the difference between “money” and the “love” of money. But it’s a big difference in meaning. One has to do with the object itself, with money. The other one has to do with my attitudes and my beliefs about money. So why do you suppose a verse like that has been misquoted so often? Do you think it’s just a coincidence, or may there be a grain of truth behind that Freudian slip?
And if so, what’s the truth here? Why misquote this one? Could it be that it’s just plain easier and less threatening for us if it’s only “money” that’s the root of all kinds of evil, rather than the love of money? Think about it. Money is an inanimate object. It’s just a thing. It can be criticized without offense. “Money” can always be about somebody else because there’s always somebody who has more of it than I do (unless maybe you’re Bill Gates listening today). But the “love” of money… Aaah, that’s more personal. That’s something inside of me. That’s about my attitudes, my thoughts, my desires. And, I would guess, that one could have an unhealthy love of money no matter how much money he actually has.
“Money is the root of all evil” is a popular misquote. But I have a hunch it didn’t come about just because of some clerical error. There is some truth there for us. Is it possible that at least subconsciously we want to believe this misquote? Have we convinced ourselves to believe that it’s money that’s the problem, not the love of it – so as to deflect attention away from our own wandering hearts? If not, then why do we have so many pejorative terms for the wealthy? Why are those who are rich so often looked down upon simply because they are wealthy? Why do we use phrases like, “Filthy rich,” or “Fat Cat,” or “He’s got money to burn”? Quite honestly, what difference does it make? You have what you have. He has what he has. She has what she has. If you don’t love money and the getting of it, then why get jealous? Why care so much about what “they” have if there is not also a “love” to get it resting in your heart, too? You see if we can somehow attach evil to money itself, well, then, we can remain innocent. Then, that sin is only for the millionaires (or if my net worth happens to be a million dollars) then it’s only for the billionaires. By the way, that’s not as far-fetched as you think. There are over 3.5 million people in the U.S. alone who qualify as millionaires.1 And I’m sure the rest of us probably wouldn’t complain much if we woke up tomorrow morning and suddenly joined that elite group. You see, if it’s money that is the root of all kinds of evil, then it can always be about somebody else. There’s always somebody with more. If I have the national median household income of $44,0002, then it’s those fat cats who make over $50,000. Or if I make $50,000, then it’s those filthy rich who make over $100,000. Or, and here’s the real kicker, if I live in the slums of New York and scrape by on federal and state assistance with $10,000 a year, then it’s those people down the road who make $25,000 a year who are the filthy rich. Hitting a little too close to home now? Well, let me go one step further. If you happen to be the average person in India, then you earn the equivalent of $871 U.S. dollars a year.3 In that case, almost everyone in the U.S. and Canada is considered rich, wealthy, and a fat cat. Maybe that misquote doesn’t help me much after all. By world standards, we’re all filthy rich. We’re all wealthy. And even if the misquote were true, we’d still be in trouble.
But to be accurate, money really isn’t the problem, is it? Possessions really aren’t the problem. It’s the love of these things, the love of getting these things, a love that exceeds the love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, that is the problem. And it is a big problem. The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote that it is such a problem that some have even wandered away from the faith because of it. Their love of money and the love of getting money actually pulled some people away from the faith. There’s an old saying that goes: “Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” That, my friend, is a love that has eternal damning consequences.
So, what can be done about it? I suppose one could divest himself entirely of money and be a Mother Theresa-type individual who lives on next to nothing. Some have actually gone that route. After all, if you don’t have money, then a big share of the temptation is gone. How could I let something I don’t even have get in the way of Jesus? Oh, but I keep forgetting, it’s not the money is it? It’s the love of money. I suppose that even if I had next to nothing, I could still harbor an unhealthy love of money.
Jesus had quite a bit to say about all this. In fact, the majority of Jesus’ parables had, as their subject matter money, or possessions, or the getting and keeping of possessions. In fact, keep that in mind the next time your pastor preaches about money and you’re tempted to grumble. When he does, he is only being faithful to the Scriptures and to what Jesus Himself spoke of. And Jesus did it a whole lot more than once a year! Yes, Jesus had quite a bit to say about money and the love of it. And if there ever was someone who could have accumulated all the earthly wealth He wanted, well, it would have been Jesus.
I was watching a Twilight Zone marathon on TV a few weeks ago. One particular episode of that 1960s television series featured a ruthless businessman who had spent his life accumulating wealth. But now, in the twilight of his years, he felt bored. That’s when he realized that it wasn’t so much the money he loved, it was the getting of the money. So he made a deal with the devil to go back to the hometown of his youth 50 years ago, complete with all the memory and skills he has now so that he could once again experience the thrill of the chase and re-build his empire from the ground up – only faster this time because he knew everything that was going to happen in the next 50 years. His wish was granted. Unfortunately, his greed and his knowledge of the future gave him some problems. He became careless. He made rash decisions and quick deals. All of his knowledge and power didn’t help him. His greed got in the way. And his life turned out much different in the end.
Jesus could have had everything that businessman wanted and then some. He had all the knowledge, all the power, and He was without sin. He could have amassed quite a tidy sum. But He didn’t, never even tried. Because He didn’t love money, nor did He love the getting of money. Instead He came to earth to love only us, to love only you. Jesus’ love, Jesus’ desire, was for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. That was what He loved. Money? It didn’t matter. Getting money? Not important, not when there were eternal lives at stake. And so Jesus, the One who could have used His power, influence, and knowledge to amass the greatest amount of wealth ever, showed no love whatsoever toward those things. There was no greed, no harmful desires that plunge people into ruin. There was no craving. And, certainly, there was no wandering away from the faith, or the Father’s will. Instead, Jesus loved only you.
How fortunate that Jesus did not squander His love on accumulating earthly wealth and power, but instead concentrated on gathering you into His eternal kingdom. Jesus loved you so much that He could not stand to see you anywhere but with Him in heaven. And so He carried out His Father’s will. He suffered upon the cross the punishment we rightly deserve for our times of greed and love of money. He took the fall for what we have done. And then rose victorious from the dead so that we might be forgiven, restored, and saved for all eternity. What love! It is a love that does far more than amass possessions and wealth.
Dear friend, Jesus did that for you because of His great love for you. This wasn’t a way to schmooze you through a business deal or a manipulation of stocks and bonds. No, this was strictly, utterly, completely, love – no strings attached. It is a love for you and your salvation, a love that is not the root of all kinds of evil, but instead a love that is the root of all salvation.
And that is the only answer for a heart that craves a love for money. Jesus says to you today, “I accomplished what you cannot. I lived a life with no such misplaced and evil loves. And I give that life to you, and offer you the free gift of forgiveness and restoration. Believe this.”
Now, does that simple fact make a difference? That sounds so simple. It most certainly does make a difference. A person who believes these things about the Savior can think differently about money and wealth and a lot of other things, too. Not only is money not as important, but a person now knows that all of it comes from God anyway. A person thus touched by the Holy Spirit can, and does, operate differently. Priorities change. Loves change. Life changes. It’s why Paul, going back to our text in 1 Timothy 6, can encourage his young pastor Timothy to actually “command” those who are rich. That’s right, Timothy was told not to tell the rich but to command them not to be arrogant, or set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. It’s why Paul encourages those who have been given wealth to “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share … so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” These were not just the rantings of an idealistic politician hoping for a better world to live in. No, these were the commands of God Himself, through the Apostle Paul, enabled by the change in life, by the change in heart, by the change in “loves” that God gives to us through faith in Jesus. These are not idle wishes. These are things that will take place in the hearts of those who follow the love of Jesus.
So, I suppose there are just a couple of questions left to answer. First, do you believe these things about Jesus? Do you believe that He lived a perfect, non-greedy life for you; that He has loved you with an everlasting love; that He accepted the punishment upon the cross you deserved for your own times of greed; and that He offers forgiveness, restoration, and a new life freely? Do you believe these things? If so, may God be praised. As a result, you are different. You will find yourself loving righteousness more than money.
Are you not sure? Do you not believe? Then I pray on your behalf that God would enlighten your heart by the power of His Spirit to know and to understand these things in faith.Second: final question. Let’s get practical. Are you part of “the rich”? Are you part of the “wealthy” that Paul was talking about in 1 Timothy 6? The wealthy that God encourages in this text to be “rich in good works, generous and ready to share”? Could this be you?
I’m not sure how I would have answered that question a few years ago, but I know now. Four years ago I was privileged to go on a mission trip to India. We traveled all over that beautiful land, visiting with Christians, and pastors, and ministry offices. Lutheran Hour Ministries, in fact, has had a very active office in Chennai, India, since 1951. India is very different from the United States or Canada. But it is a difference that by sheer numbers alone represents a majority, not a minority. Did you know that one out of every six people in the world lives there? Do the math. There are 6.5 billion people in this world, and over one billion of them live in India alone. That means that one out of every six people born into this world is born in India. In terms of a global environment, what happens in India represents far more of a “majority” experience than does the comparatively small United States population of just 300 million. I saw such hard working, industrious people in India. I saw men and women who work far harder than I ever did or ever could. And yet, so many had next to nothing. The average income is $871 U.S. dollars a year.
On the way home in the plane I had plenty of time to think. It’s over 14 hours on the plane. That whole trip was a humbling experience. And I thought to myself: Why me? So many of these wonderful people I met have nothing – at least by my standards. Yet they work hard. And they seem to smile so much. You can just see the love of God in them. But working hard did not give them the same things that I have. I work hard. They work hard. But at the end of the day I have far more wealth than they do. What’s the difference? It was time to face facts. The only difference I saw, in this regard, is that I was privileged to be born in the United States. And they were privileged to be born in India. And that was the only difference I saw. And it was a difference and a reality I had absolutely nothing to do with. That simple realization filled me with an incredible feeling of gratitude. It literally rammed home the point that what I have was given to me by God Himself. I don’t deserve it. It was simply given, out of God’s abundant, incredible, mercy and love.
Are you rich? Are you wealthy? I can’t answer that. I wouldn’t try. You’ll have to answer that for yourself. But I can answer this: Am I rich? Am I wealthy? And the answer is yes, beyond measure, beyond anything I could possibly deserve. I am rich physically and rich spiritually. I wouldn’t say that I’m filthy rich, certainly not by U.S. standards. And even if I were, I wouldn’t call it filthy rich. Because, in the end, I know that whatever I have was given to me out of God’s incredible love seen in Jesus Christ. And it was given for the purpose of serving Him. Knowing this, what else is there to do but exactly what God commanded in our text today from 1 Timothy: “Seek to do good, seek to be generous and ready to share … so that I may take hold of that which is truly life.” I pray you do the same and may God bless you richly and abundantly as you do. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for September 30, 2007
TOPIC: ParticipationANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Ken Klaus concludes our series of discussions based on material from websites developed by the Lutheran Church-Canada. What do you say to someone who tells you they’re Christian, but they don’t need to go to church?
KLAUS: I’d say they’re right. The story of the thief on the cross gives a Biblical precedent for that answer. The “good thief” who died alongside Jesus doesn’t appear to have been a church-goer. Even so, the Lord promised him salvation. It is faith in Jesus as Savior, not church attendance, that saves.
When I used to teach confirmation, the young people would ask: Suppose an unbeliever were lost in the wilderness, and he found a Bible, and he read it, and came to faith in Jesus. But there was no church around – could that person be a Christian?
ANNOUNCER: And I’m sure the answer was “yes.”
KLAUS: And so it is. But you will note that the man in the wilderness and the thief on the cross had one thing in common.
ANNOUNCER: Right, they did not have the opportunity to join with others in worship.
KLAUS: Exactly! Scripture is clear that people who have been cleansed of their sins by the Lord don’t practice faith in a vacuum. Just as a person in love doesn’t need to be told to spend time with the object of their affection, Christians don’t have to be told to spend time with their Savior.
ANNOUNCER: But couldn’t someone say they could spend time with Jesus on their own? They don’t need to go to church to do that.
KLAUS: Maybe. But Jesus said we should take Communion – in remembrance of Him. Can a person do that by him or herself? Jesus said we should share His salvation story all around the world. That’s hard to do on your own. As Christians we should encourage each other and sing praises to our gracious God. Does that happen in private?
ANNOUNCER: So you’re saying that while it is theoretically possible to be a Christian all by oneself, the Bible is consistent in encouraging God’s people to worship together because it is simply what we do.
KLAUS: That’s what the Bible says in the book of Hebrews (10: 24-25): “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
ANNOUNCER: Another commonly held opinion is that all religions are equal. Many of our listeners live in countries where people are equal under the law, so it’s natural to assume that religions are also all equal.
KLAUS: Well, there is no question that the different religions of the world do have some similarities.
ANNOUNCER: But I also imagine there are significant differences between religions?
KLAUS: There are, but we can zero in on one, great difference between the religions of the world.
Christianity is unique in saying God has graciously sacrificed His Son as a heaven-sent substitute to save humanity. That’s important. Every other religion of the world says their people have to do something, often they have to do a lot of somethings, to work off their sins and earn the favor or forgiveness of God.ANNOUNCER: But in those religions can you ever feel that you’ve done enough to finish that job of saving yourself? I’d feel a little shaky about that.
KLAUS: As would I. So would most everybody if they think about it. Which is why Christianity is so unique. Christianity, having acknowledged humankind’s inability to save itself, proudly proclaims Jesus has done the job for us.
ANNOUNCER: That’s why Jesus came into the world. He obeyed all of God’s requirements, He resisted the temptations that trapped us, and through His resurrection He even defeated death. That’s a considerable difference.
KLAUS: It is, and one that the Bible speaks about most clearly in Ephesians (2:8-10), it says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
ANNOUNCER: And any final comments about these websites developed by the Lutheran Church-Canada?
KLAUS: I do know that a lot of Lutheran Hour listeners have friends and family members who might profit from the answers to those questions. I’d encourage believers to direct these seekers to the web pages www.whatyoubelieve.net and www.whatyoubelieve.ca
ANNOUNCER: This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.
1 U.S. Census data, 2001: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/fs/inia.pdf
2 From the U.S. Census Bureau, 2004 figures. See http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
3 Statistical data from US Department of Foreign Affairs statistics; dfat site: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/fs/inia.pdfMusic selections for this program:
“A Mighty Fortress” arranged by John Leavitt. Concordia Publishing House/SESAC
“Consider How the Birds Above” by Stephen P. Starke & Daniel Zager (text © 1998 Stephen P. Starke, adm. Concordia; music © 2004 Daniel Zager)
“Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart” by Martin Schalling. From Hymns for All Saints: Adoration, Praise, Comfort (© 2004 Concordia Publishing House)
“Ach, Herr, lass dein lieb’ Engelein” by J.S. Bach. From Werke für Blechbläser von Bach, u.a. (© 1988 Hänssler Verlag, Stuttgart)
“Toccata on Old One Hundredth” by Charles Callahan. From Charles Callahan Plays the Organ of the Church of the Holy Family by Charles Callahan (© 1997 Charles Callahan) Concordia Publishing House/SESAC