#earlwoodanglican #BrendanMcLaughlin #ecclesiastes

The root of all evil

One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is ‘money is the root of all evil’.
To begin with, 1 Tim 6:10 does not say the root of all evil, for there are plenty of
other forms of evil. Furthermore, Paul is speaking about ‘the love of money’.
Much evil comes from turning God’s good gift of money into an ultimate gift; i.e.
an idol. The longest treatment of money in the Bible is found in Eccles 5: 8-6 :9.
As we saw in last week’s sermon, the love of money will only lead to misery and
despair; a chasing after the wind (Eccles 6: 9). So why is this?
Firstly, idolising money leads to pursuing money at all costs. Such an obsession
though means the person is never actually able to enjoy what they have,
because money is telling them they always need more before they can be happy.
Secondly, whenever we idolise something, it will always demand we sacrifice to
it. Money demands we sacrifice our family, our health, the law and even our
own conscience. When money has the reigns of one’s conscience, it is not long
before this leads to the oppression of others in the pursuit of riches.
Finally, because money (like all idols) is never satisfied, those who worship it will
over time be dragged down into depression. This can either come from financial
losses through reckless decisions, or the simply reality that even a billion dollars
isn’t enough to buy happiness.
The Bible says money is a good gift of God, which is to be used to love God and
love others. As Christians, may we treat our money radically differently to our
neighbours, as we give it away in surprising amounts, all the while content in
what God gives us.

Brendan McLaughlin

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction – The Definition of Stupidity
02:36 - 4 points
04:15 - Facing Death
10:57 - Handling Mistakes
14:08 - Navigating Adversity
21:54 - Enjoying Blessing



Bible Passage:
Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 6: 10-7 :29

Preacher: Brendan McLaughlin

Reflection Questions:
- In what ways are you ignoring the reality of eternity?
- Do you believe that God can and does use even the worst adversity for good?
- What blessings are you failing to enjoy, because you’re not thankful enough?

Prayer for the day: Trinity Sunday
Let us pray [to the one God, Father, Son, and Spirit, that our lives may bear witness
to our faith.]
Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them
we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three Persons,
by proclaiming and living our faith in you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.