Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 NET
In these two verses, Paul addressed those who “long to be rich.” He is writing about people who are not content with what they have (1 Tim. 6:6), always wanting more money and more of what money can provide.
Being rich is a subjective term. In many parts of the world, I would be considered rich. In my own culture, I am comfortable, but far from wealthy.
An Insatiable Desire
However, the issue Paul addressed here is not how much money you have. Instead, it is the desire for more. A desire that is never really satisfied. This desire is not just for having money itself. It is for what it can buy you–power, prestige, and more and better stuff.
The love for money can easily lead to worship at the altar of materialism. Leading, in turn, to the sacrifice of family, health, and God for the sake of satisfying an insatiable desire. The love for money is a downward spiral that leads to ruin.
As believers, we are encouraged not to fall into the trap of pursuing material wealth, possessions, and pleasure. This is a trap that can lead to ruin or ineffectiveness in the kingdom. Instead, we should be content with what we have, pursuing godliness rather than money (1 Tim. 6:6). And if we have wealth, “to be generous and willing to share, laying up treasure as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Tim. 6:17-19).
