"Godliness Is A Means of Great Gain when accompanied by Contentment" (1 Tim 6:6)

Listen very carefully to the words of apostle Paul. He says, "But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The real danger today is the Christ follower's rationalization for joining in the chase after money! Let the Christ follower beware. The desire to get rich (the love of money), drives a wedge between you and God! The love of money is "a root of all sorts of evil." In other words, the love of money is a root sin! It lies under the surface and feeds any number of sins. Whatever the variation, the fruit is sin because the root is sin! The root always determine the fruit. One is free to choose the root, but not the fruit!! Paul calls the fruit "all sorts of evil." He tells us that the pursuit of money will lead you down a path that's full of every variety of hazard, danger, and peril. This is seen by the words, "fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires." The words "temptation" and "snare" should awaken us to the fact that Satan's schemes are involved! In this context, temptation promises something good, that's really harmful. The word "schemes" is in reference to "cleverness, crafty methods, cunning, enticed, and deceit." I don't know about you, but I hate being manipulated by the devil! I hate allowing him access to gain an advantage in my life! The phrase, "fall into" is used of an animal falling into a trap. A snare is in reference to something hidden and not expected! Take heed, Satan's schemes are in play! Paul uses the phrase, "foolish and harmful desires." The desire to get rich distorts values and moral distinctions. It causes people to do just about anything to get rich! The end of it all is found in the words, "plunge men into ruin and destruction." The pattern is this: The desire draws you in; the deceit makes you comfortable and not aware of the danger; the ruin and destruction finishes you off (driving a wedge between you and God). Your move. Be encouraged!