Breeder Sins (Part Three) (1Ti 6:8-10)

 “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1Ti 6:8-10).

Here is another sin that leads to more sin. The greatest sin mentioned here is apostasy. However, the love of money may manifest itself in other ways. Examples include selfishness, greed, envy, and stealing. These are all rooted in idolatry.

Valuing anything more than God is idolatry. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). Furthermore, read what Jesus said to this rich man who desired salvation. 

“And he said to Him, 'Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.’ Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!’” (Mrk 10:20-23)

To clarify, it is the love of money that is sinful; possessing money is not inherently wrong if acquired properly. To guard against the love of money, one may practice generosity. 

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2Co 9:6-8).