Money – Root Of All Evil?

We’ve all heard the expression that money is the root of all evil. But how many of us have sat long enough to consider what it means? How can money be so evil?

I hadn’t thought much about it myself. Struggling with money issues has caused me to see it as an enemy. Money has never been prevalent in my life. I live in an area that is predominantly poor. My birth family was poor. It’s a lifestyle I’ve known from birth.

However, the other day someone repeated that haggard expression about money being the root of all evil. For some reason, I took a moment to consider what it meant.

Money Isn’t The Root Of Evil

Money, of itself, is not the root of all evil. However, the lust or need for it are the roots of evil. Those who can’t get enough, who lust after it, will do anything to have more. No matter how full their coffers, they must still do anything within their power to add even more.

An extreme lack of money forces otherwise honest individuals to do evil things, to obtain what they need. In many cases, survival depends upon the ability to obtain money and what it can purchase. Lying, cheating and stealing may be necessary to put food on the table under some circumstances.

Imagine a world in which money didn’t exist. Neighbors helped neighbors. Everyone worked together to help each other. One person with plenty of one thing, bartered with another for items he was lacking.

In our world, there is an inequality of wealth. A small group of people holds a majority of the country’s wealth. Everyone else is struggling, not even for an equal amount, but enough to live in peace. The system is skewed. Many play it to their financial benefit at the expense of others. There is no fairness in finances.

I Have Struggled Myself

I have sat here at my table many times, looking over my bills, my income, my financial status, and wondered how we were going to get through the month. With head in my hands, I whisper a prayer to Heaven that God may show me the way. Perhaps He has a special reason why I should struggle so hard through this.

Then, I stop and assess my blessings. How much do I have that I don’t give thanks for? Many would love to live my life in comparison to their own. I don’t struggle for food. I have a warm bed and running water. There are clothes in my closet when I want to change the ones I’m wearing. My basic needs are met.

How Can You Help?

When someone around me needs a hand, I know I will help them if it is within my ability. I’ve been in those shoes. I know what it’s like to need something and not be able to purchase it. It’s disheartening to give up on something you want because it’s a financial impossibility.

What can YOU do to help someone around you who is struggling? It doesn’t have to be money. Perhaps invite a lonely struggling single woman to dinner. Empty your closet for a friend who needs a wardrobe upgrade. There are many ways to help others.

Will YOU be someone’s angel of the day?