When it comes to living a life that is rich, we know that it takes more than money. It has to include work that is meaningful and relationships that nourish.
That is the kind of life that God is interested in offering us. But we have choices to make; the appeal of true poverty, a life spent in self-interest and solitude, is surprisingly strong.
Choose now the richness of life God offers.
But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
We say we love many things in life – we love going on vacation, we love a night out with our friends, we love pizza. We overuse the word love so much that its meaning can be lost. Sometimes this passage is misquoted as “money is the root of all evil.” But that’s not what it says.
When the writer of 1 Timothy says “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” I think he is saying that we can be so focused on the things we think we love (like money) that we can lose sight of the bigger picture.
Those who want to be “rich” fall into temptation.
God’s riches don’t trap and tempt us. God’s riches fill us and fulfill us. In the riches of God, our life can find meaning. Where do you find meaning in your life?
Susan Reed
Holy God, thank you for the examples you have given me – your son, and people who follow you – that can show me what is really important in life. Help me not to be tempted by the riches of the world, but instead to seek you with all my heart, so that I may find meaning in you. Amen.
May God fill your soul with waters of generosity,
Taking you to the gate of thirsty neighbors,
That you might come to know them and,
Knowing them,
Share from the richness of
God's love.