Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10; 17-19
Jesus warned that it’s not possible to serve both God and money (Mammon). He spoke of the “cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth.” He gave them a name and a face—Mammon.
Mammon is a seductive force. It chokes God’s kingdom out of a person, like ivy tentacles sucking the life out of a tree—grabbing your
heart. Paul called it “a trap” (v.9).
Paul was following Jesus’ teaching here. “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”—like stagnant waters collecting bacteria. He calls it harmful, a temptation, foolish, ruinous, evil, destructive, and grievous (v.9-10). Quite a list!
Jesus and Paul were both correcting the old mentality that wealth was always a sign of divine blessing. Even though it may be, it may also foster an avid appetite for the things of this world. Vacation homes; a new kitchen; the latest technology; the right tools and equipment; a new car; an updated wardrobe; your 401k—these can easily entangle us in worldly worries and fascinations. They become false affections.
The American Church is worried about many things when it should only be worried about one thing—pleasing her Groom, not herself. We should be free from the baggage of self-interest and its contents. Paul’s words are as piercing as ever: You can’t take anything where you’re going; nothing outside of your own skin, anyway (v.7). Contentment in Jesus should transform our sense of need and desire (v.6, 8).
Be rich in his character (6:18). We own nothing. We keep nothing. It’s all a mirage anyway—the things of this world. But Jesus—he is a treasure beyond measure. We’ll still be enjoying him ten thousand years from now.
REFLECT
Are you being entangled by the cares of this world?
PRAY
Lord, teach me to be fully satisfied in you.
Tags: money, worry, anxiety, temptation, mammon, seductive
