Paul’s admonition to Timothy that “the love of money is the root of all evil” was in the context of caution against greed, and to be content. This wisdom has long been recognized even in secular society driven by greed. During the last federal election campaign in Canada, it occurred to me that the underlying assumption was more like “Poverty is the root of all evil”.
While the government approach to social ills for years has been to increase funding to whatever social ill is identified, the entity of “poverty” is now more specifically labeled as the problem. This overlooks the fact that poverty is more often a symptom of the problem, which finds its roots more in the sin of mankind that leads to family breakup, violence against one another, abuse of property, dishonesty, and dreams of getting rich without labor or sacrifice. Funding an environment such as that does not bring prosperity and happiness, but only more of the same problems. Instances of sudden wealth coming to historically poor people graphically illustrate this. As someone pointed out to me, giving money to someone only helps them get where they were headed faster. Viewing poverty rather than the love of money as the root of all evil is a foolish philosophical shift which will only exacerbate the disease which brought us to it in the first place. -philw
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I think the truth goes beyond what Paul wrote. The love of power is the root of all evil. Money is one form of power. Ironically, a politician who gives money to any group or demographic gains some degree of power over them.
ReplyDeleteFor a wealthy individual, time is more valuable than money for the simple reason that giving someone your time is essentially giving that person power over you.
I am often amazed at the drive for power that we witness in this world. Power manifests itself through avenues such as politics and religion. In our society money is a certainly a major driving force behind the lust for power and control. In much of the unstable 3rd world countries violence against the weaker seems to be the path. We see the same thing in the gang culture in our society. Trying to get people to "treat others kindly" does not seem to cut it. I guess only a change from the inside out is really effective.
ReplyDeleteGood thought, Jeremy. Consistent with that would be the first two recorded evils. The "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil", and Cain killing Abel, both of which Paul was well aware, were more love of power than money. Our time is often measured in money, and is our most valued non-renewable resource.
ReplyDeleteThere was a good comment (anonymous) concerning how we learn more about God through lack than through plenty. I clicked on it to post it, but it disappeared. Sorry. Try again if it's still fresh in your mind.
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