Who holds your heart? Where is your treasure? What do you love?? For the love of money is the root of all evil…I Timothy 6:10…but what does this really mean? Below I have listed four different Bible versions, just different ways to say the same idea in a way easier for the current culture to understand…and I want to elaborate on the idea behind this phrase.
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.-The King James Bible
But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. -The Message Bible verses 9-10
For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows. -The Amplified Bible
[For] The love of money causes [ is the root of] all kinds of evil. Some people have left [strayed/wandered from] the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow [and have pierced themselves with many pains]. -The Expanded Bible
During this month when most focus on love toward one another, I want to take a deeper look into why the love of money, or as the writers have mentioned the lustful greediness of money, is such a powerful aspect of our choices in life. I have used the acronym LOVE to elaborate my points:
L = Lusting after what we do not own, coveting another’s gifts or possessions
O = Ownership well the lack there of, not taking responsibility for your own actions and choices and accepting the consequences good or bad that follow
V = Vindictive, Vengeful mean-spirited towards others when you feel like you don’t get “what you deserve”…what if you did get what you derserve…would you be satisfied or surprised?
E = Exchanging one bad habit for another – you cut spending in one area but overspend even more in another area, or you stop smoking only to replace it with over eating, you stop watching 10 hours of TV per day to replace it with playing video games online until the early hours of the next morning
We all have negative thoughts, bad habits, or something (we see) wrong with us…hey that is what makes us human right? But you cannot dwell on the negative..you have to keep your thoughts and mindset positive, looking toward a hopeful future and a bright tomorrow. Phillipans 4:8 says to think on these things: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, honorable, and worthy of respect, whatsoever things are just and right, confirmed by God’s Word, whatsoever things are pure and wholesome, whatsoever things are lovely and brings peace, whatsoever things are admirable and of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things continually, center your mind around them and implant them in your heart.” (KJV & AMP mixed)
There are five steps you can follow to overcome this unhealthy, unloving mindset. I use the acronym MONEY to remember the steps: Mindful, Open, Necessary, Exchange, Your (rewards)
M = MINDFUL, Stop and think before you purchase, before you make a choice! Don’t buy or choose on impulse or under pressure from anyone; save for big items such as vehicles, homes, weddings, vacations, etc. You will enjoy yourself (on vacations or in everyday life) and find that you are more relaxed (able to think and focus) if you know that you do not have a huge debt overhanging you while you soak in the rays on the beach or glide downhill on the slopes, or even just enjoy a movie or game on the couch.
O = OPEN, honest communication with your spending partner and with yourself is a must. Why are you spending your money or buying this particular item? Is it attached to a memory, does it bring you good vibes or pleasure? Can I buy the nonbrand name; I know there are some items that you have to buy Brand X…but not every item on your grocery list…really???!!! Being candid and truthful can save you hundreds of dollars, not to mention the sanity and freedom of weightlessness from debt. Don’t allow debt to hold you as its slave! Create a list before you leave the house and stick to it; you can do it.
N = NECESSARY, do I really need this or do I just want this? Do not rationalize an unnecessary purchase because everyone has it or it’s the newest gadget, or this is so last year’s color scheme and I have to wear this if she is wearing this. If you really want it then save up for it, or ask for it as a gift…you have a birthday annually ask your friends to offer $10-$30 towards your NEW HIGH PRICED ITEM then invite them over to enjoy it too.
E = Exchange boredom or bad buying habits for new positive ones: take a walk, solve a puzzle, read a book, take a nap, play with your kids, exercise, romp with your pet – notice they are all free activities. You can also cook more meals at home, go to a the park or a concert, drive to a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while…get outside and enjoy the Vitamin D it is not only healthy but takes away the boredom purchase urges. Make a plan and follow that plan.
Y = YOUR rewards for reaching the goals you set, for paying off that debt, or to just energize yourself; they don’t have to cost a cent or they can be low costs such as ice cream cones, a weekend with friends and family without working, a visit to a local museum or historical site, a movie and dinner at home while the kids visit friends. Get creative and allow everyone to be involved; launch the reward when you set the goal and countdown to the day of celebration. Who knows it might arrive early.
Making your money work for you, not for you to work for your money, just makes cents4you! Implement your MONEY steps to overcome the LOVE of money and reset your thinking! If you would like one of our coaches to encourage you more or to show you how to create a personalized spending plan and build new habits, contact us today to schedule your free phone consultation. We offer evening and weekend follow-up appointments upon availability.