
The injustice in the world today is nothing new and neither is the source. The book of knowledge and wisdom tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil. This truth indicates that those in business are closest to the root of the problem, since business is the means by which money is exchanged. The scripture 1st Timothy 6:10 is the origin of this often misquoted maxim.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim 6:10 KJV)
The phrase “love of money” in this verse comes from the Greek word “philarguria”, which translates to fondness of silver. Another word that shares the same root is the Greek word “Philanthropia”, which translates fondness of mankind. This Greek word is where we get the English word “philanthropy”. If you look at the meaning of each of these words, then it becomes clear what the bible is trying to relay in the scripture cited above. It also becomes clear why there is so much chaos in the world today.
The cited scripture is not in reference to everyone. It speaks of people erring from the faith. You can’t err from a faith you have never held, so this verse is about Christians, and to Christians. True Christianity is based on a love for GOD that produces a love for their neighbor. So, who is our neighbor? Every other person that lives on this earth with us. Since a love for GOD and a love for our neighbors is the foundation of Christianity, then all other things pertaining to life should be used to express those core values. When those Christian core values are contaminated by greed, lust, and a love of pleasure, it leads to a love for money. A love for GOD and people becomes secondary and eventually smothered away all together without repentance.
To my Christian brothers and sisters, what is reflected most in your business? Is it the love of GOD and mankind or a love of money? Do you put what is humane and equitable according to GOD’s standards before what worldly thinking projects as profitable? History is polluted with the business of putting money before humanity. Just look at the history of America. We know that the love for African neighbors did not exceed a love for financial profits to be made from their enslavement. We know that a love for the indigenous neighbors of the Americas did not exceed the love for the profit to be made from taking their lands. America’s love for money is still piercing millions through with sorrows today, which is evidence that America has not yet repented? Just look at the USA’s continued weapons sale profits and literally how many that have been pierced through with sorrows as a result. The government of the USA has never erred from the faith, because that government has never employed the teachings of Christ. Christ gave His life for the sake of ALL mankind. The business of this country has always been for the financial profit of a few.
This a call for the Christians of this nation. Those who profess to live by the values of the one which put His love of mankind before His own life in becoming a sacrifice on the cross. You are called to be a light unto the world. If your light is hidden in your business ethics, then we lose the light where it is darkest. Business is where decisions are made which impact our whole civilization. The way to remove the chaos from the boardwalks, is to promote a love for mankind in the boardrooms. The corrosion of society stems from morally bankrupt capitalism. All human endeavors must be rooted in the purpose of making life better for all, or humanity will fail as a whole. These words may not find a home in every heart, but my hope is that they will resonate in hearts where the faith of Christ is resident.
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