I agree completely that money is not the root of all evil. And my justification is similar, but not the same, as your explanation. I wrote a story where I ask if competition is the root of all evil. Anyway, I thought you or someone else might be interested. https://strawbridgeideas.substack.com/p/beware-of-the-daniel-plainview-in
This is so excellent. You can help so many more people when you have the means to do so. Money does not change you it just shows more of who you are 🙌❤️
"To him who loves, much is forgiven" by which I believe Jesus meant "To him who loves God above all else," as he stated clearly in his top commandment. In answer to your question, then, of "Where are you placing your love today?" I can answer that I strive, always, to place that love in God, and let other loves flow from there, such as love to family, friends, and anyone else who crosses my path. I think Jesus' first commandment to love God with all one's being, and then like unto it to love one another, is a way of saying, "The heart's desire directed toward anything other than God and expressing God's love to all is the root of evil." For evil is anything that entices us to forget God and forget this highest commandment. Money is just one of those enticements, but happens to be the most alluring because it enables us to acquire all manners of other enticements.
Well said! Lately, with all that's going on in the U.S., I find myself thinking of how relevant Jesus' words that you share here are to us today. While money is a helpful tool that can do a lot of good, the problem comes--as you point out--when one loves it. In other words, worships it. Our society worships money, which then leads valuing acquiring, keeping, and getting more of it, more than the wellbeing of others. And the kicker is, it's such a normal and accepted part of our culture, that many don't even realize that their love of money is blocking them from fully loving God and others.
I thank you again for being a beacon in day to day life (as is a lighthouse!) Very well written. Clear. And this is what I am wanting now. Clear, basic, simple actions. No blame, no regrets, no judging. After coffee, I go to my books or Substack.
I agree completely that money is not the root of all evil. And my justification is similar, but not the same, as your explanation. I wrote a story where I ask if competition is the root of all evil. Anyway, I thought you or someone else might be interested. https://strawbridgeideas.substack.com/p/beware-of-the-daniel-plainview-in
This is so excellent. You can help so many more people when you have the means to do so. Money does not change you it just shows more of who you are 🙌❤️
Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, boastful pride of life (1 John)
"To him who loves, much is forgiven" by which I believe Jesus meant "To him who loves God above all else," as he stated clearly in his top commandment. In answer to your question, then, of "Where are you placing your love today?" I can answer that I strive, always, to place that love in God, and let other loves flow from there, such as love to family, friends, and anyone else who crosses my path. I think Jesus' first commandment to love God with all one's being, and then like unto it to love one another, is a way of saying, "The heart's desire directed toward anything other than God and expressing God's love to all is the root of evil." For evil is anything that entices us to forget God and forget this highest commandment. Money is just one of those enticements, but happens to be the most alluring because it enables us to acquire all manners of other enticements.
Well said! Lately, with all that's going on in the U.S., I find myself thinking of how relevant Jesus' words that you share here are to us today. While money is a helpful tool that can do a lot of good, the problem comes--as you point out--when one loves it. In other words, worships it. Our society worships money, which then leads valuing acquiring, keeping, and getting more of it, more than the wellbeing of others. And the kicker is, it's such a normal and accepted part of our culture, that many don't even realize that their love of money is blocking them from fully loving God and others.
100% agree
I thank you again for being a beacon in day to day life (as is a lighthouse!) Very well written. Clear. And this is what I am wanting now. Clear, basic, simple actions. No blame, no regrets, no judging. After coffee, I go to my books or Substack.
Glad to be here, appreciate you greatly!
Is it possible that tyranny is a root of evil.
Desire to have power over others yes
That usually boils down to love of money as well.