The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. Really look at what this says - a root of all kinds. Money is not THE root of ALL evil. It is one pathway into troubles. We need money in this world - for food, clothing, shelter, transportation. However, we need to learn to be content with what we have. Paul says if you have food in your stomach & clothes on your back - you should be content.
Unfortunately, there are many who are not content. Some have turned to a love of money & have turned the church into a business. This gives churches a bad name in the world. Others attempt to build themselves up a fortune, but Paul reminds us that you can't take it with you. Besides, your focus turns to money - it becomes an addiction - that leads to all sorts of troubles. Look, money can buy pleasure, but it can't buy happiness. Always keeping up with the Jones leaves you unsatisfied, jealous, bitter, selfish, and ultimately empty.
If you struggle with being content, take a look at these figures:
80% of the world lives on less than $10 a day.
40% of the world has no indoor plumbing. The average household in America uses 158 gallons of water, compared to the 1.8 billion people a day who are limited to the 5 gallons they can carry to their house each day.
20% of the world is illiterate.
1/3 of the world has sufficient food, 1/3 is hungry, 1/3 is starving. If you have food in your fridge - you are in the top 33% of the world's wealthy. 30,000 children die each day from hunger.
If your family owns a computer - you are in the top 5% of the world's wealthy.
If you own a smart phone - you are in the top 10%.
If you sleep in your own bed - you are in the top 25%.
If your family owns one car - you are in the top 9%.
Are you wealthy? Do you wish for more? Take some time to access how content you are this week.
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