“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil” ( 1 Timothy 6:10 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ).

There are specific indicators that warn us if we are loving money.

Today’s verse is a classic reference and contains the overarching scriptural principle concerning our attitude toward money. In referring to the love of money, Paul is essentially talking about the sin of greed. That sin is a serious offense in God’s eyes, which means we ought to desire with all our hearts to have victory over it. And we can begin to achieve such victory by recognizing the major warning signs of greed or money-love.

There are at least five major behavior and attitude symptoms that reveal the presence of greed in one’s life. First, if you are truly a lover of money, you will be more concerned with acquiring it than with giving an honest, quality effort in everything you do. Believers are to pursue truth and excellence first of all, and God will see to it that we receive the proper monetary rewards.

Second, if you are greedy, you will feel that you never have enough money. Your attitude will be like the leech’s daughters who constantly say, “Give,” “Give” (Prov. 30:15).

Third, if you love money, you will tend to flaunt what it can buy. You will be unduly eager to show off clothing, your new car or truck, or the new property you just purchased. Fourth, if you are a slave to greed, you will resent giving your money to support worthwhile causes or help other people. You will want to keep everything to spend on your own selfish desires.

Finally, if you are in love with money, it is likely you will sin to obtain more. That could include cheating on your income tax return or expense account report or shortchanging customers.

If you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deut. 6:4-5; Matt. 22:35-38), none of those symptoms will be in your life to hinder your pursuit of Him. That’s what Jesus meant when He said we can’t love and serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24).

Suggestions for Prayer

Pray that God would make the allure of money so faint for you that you would never be a slave to greed.

For Further Study

Write out and memorize Philippians 4:11 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. . Carry it with you, and quote it to counteract the greedy thoughts of dissatisfaction that arise periodically.

From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

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