Society measures much of our value in dollars—how much or how little we have. Yes, money offers comfort and stability, a means to send our children to school, and the ability to help people and causes we care about—but it can easily devour our lives as well. What is the solution to this dilemma?

According to 1 Timothy 6:3-10, the answer has little to do with money itself, and everything to do with our attitude toward it.

1 Timothy 6:3-10

If anyone teaches anything different and doesn’t agree with sound teaching about our Lord Jesus Christ and teaching that is consistent with godliness, that person is conceited. They don’t understand anything but have a sick obsession with debates and arguments. This creates jealousy, conflict, verbal abuse, and evil suspicions. There is constant bickering between people whose minds are ruined and who have been robbed of the truth. They think that godliness is a way to make money! Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it: we’ll be happy with food and clothing. But people who are trying to get rich fall into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful passions that plunge people into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves with a lot of pain because they made money their goal. — 1 Timothy 6:3-10 (CEB)

Questions to Consider

1. How much time do you spend thinking about money? Is it more than you think is healthy?
2. How can you interpret Paul’s famous line: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil?” Have you seen the truth of this statement in your own life?
3. What does it mean to lead a “content” life in modern society?