The Dangerous Dollar

1 Timothy 6:9-10 “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.”

Dear Kids,

How much money is enough? For many citizens of the United States seeking to fulfill the American dream of success and prosperity, the answer is “just one more dollar.” But is this really a delicious dream or a nightmare?

In a materialistic world filled with television commercials advertising the newest and best, there just never seems to be enough money to spend. So from a very young age Americans seek for ways to gain wealth.

Even during the Thanksgiving season many are more focused on Black Friday shopping sprees and Christmas gifts than on being thankful for what they already have. Contentment has no place in our society.

This addiction to money and wealth is a dangerous business. Paul warned Timothy that those with an insatiable desire to get rich will inevitably fall into temptation. Their harmful and foolish desires will plunge them into ruin and destruction. When a Christian takes his eyes off God and focuses only on the dangerous dollar, it may be only a short time before he wanders away from the faith.

Money is not evil in itself; it can be used to help others and pay for necessary needs. But when our love of money overtakes our love of God and others, then we have a problem. Maybe that’s why one of the writers of the Proverbs said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

How much money is enough? Read today’s verse again before you decide. You may change your mind about the dangerous dollar.

Love,

Mama