"The Root of the Problem"

It’s been said that Money is the root of all evil but I have to disagree. Some people say that the love of money is the root of all evil but again I disagree. Money and love are not evil. I believe that evil lies in people and it is only evident through their display of money and/or their lack of love and compassion. I know a lot of poor people that are evil and some wealthy people that are blessed.

Some people are just jealous of anything that others have. It starts when we are children. If you put two children in a room with only one toy, I bet a fight will break out. If babies could talk you would hear the words; ”you have” and “I want.” Most of us grow out of it or learn to share and love but there are those that never learn those lessons. It upsets me to see people that take from others just because they can. When I have to lock things up so that they “don’t walk off” I feel violated.

I am working today and you wouldn’t believe how jealous people around here are of me. I really do have a lot to do and things are running so smoothly now I hate to take a chance and let things slow down. It all boils down to jealousy. I know that’s all it is. Yesterday a conversation I had went like this:

He said: Greg, I guess you don’t have to work this weekend. I wish I could have the weekend off. It must be nice having the weekend off……

I said: No I have to work too. My boss wanted me to come in and work this weekend.

He said: They are going to let you come in and work? Man it must be nice to get to come in and make all that overtime.

Notice how he went from him having to work to letting me work. He wants the money but doesn’t want to work. Perhaps we should just hand out money on Friday and tell people not to come in. I am sure some people would not be satisfied with that either. All it would take is for one person to have to work and he would say: I had to work to get my money, why didn’t he? I think too many people just worry about what someone else has and not about themselves.

In management class, they teach us about motivation factors. They start out by asking; “What is the best motivator?” Almost always the first thing said is “money.” Then the instructor will tell everyone why money is the worst motivator. Here is the explanation:

If you give a man more money, whether it is a raise or a bonus, two things happen. First anyone who see’s it wonders why they didn’t get some money too so it de-motivates them. “Why should I work as hard as him? He gets more money.” The second thing that happens is the person getting the money becomes comfortable with it and then it becomes the norm for him. Soon he will forget why he got the extra money and want and expect more.

I have been reading a lot lately about the Israelites. I am up to 1 Samuel if anyone is keeping track. :) They fell into the same trap. God gave them the promise land but they became comfortable with it. Soon they weren’t happy with what they had and wanted more. Eventually, they forgot why they were given the land and only remembered that it was their land. Then, one God wasn’t enough so they sought others. Time and time again, God punished them to remind them why they got the land and time and time again they forgot. I believe they still forget that part today but that is my opinion.

I think the root of all evil is greed and hatred and it lives in each of us. The secret to being happy is to channel these two things properly. First off, be greedy with God. Ask for Him, demand Him and never be satisfied. Keep wanting more God not more Gods. Secondly, hate evil. I don’t mean just dislike it but hate it with all you have. Don’t just let evil deeds pass you by. Say or do something. Show others that it is not ok to be that way. Letting an evil deed go without acknowledgement is just as bad as doing it yourself. I am not saying to seek revenge but instead do something to counter the evil deed.

There are passages to back up everything I have said but unfortunately, I have some work to do so you have to look them up yourself today.

Look it up at:

www.biblegateway.com


Have a Blessed day,

Greg

Comments

Wanda said…
This was a great "Sunday" message for Saturday, Greg!

~~ I so agree with you on every point ~~ and have experience some of the same when I was working full time in Property Management. Jealously ~ a vicious enemy.

BTW ~ can't wait to hear the boat story.
Janice Thomson said…
What an excellent post Greg. You've definitely nailed it correctly. I would analyze it one step further and state that fear is the cause of both the greed and hatred too; fear of not getting enough or what you think you deserve and hence the possible suffering leads to greed, and fear of rejection, control or non-understanding leads to hatred.
A most enjoyable post - hope you had a good day at work.
Susan Skitt said…
More of God is definately a good thing! I would have to say about the issue of money being the root of evil, like you said, it is the attitude people have about money, or the "love" of it that is wrong. We sing a little chorus at church that goes like this: He is all I need. He is all I need. Jesus is all I need. He satisfies, every need supplies. Jesus is all I need.

My six-year-old looked at my diamond ring today and said, "Mommy, will you get to take your diamond with you to Heaven someday?"

He was surprised at my answer. "No, honey," I said. We don't take anything with us. God has even better treasures waiting for us there.
Angie said…
So often we view the symptoms and judge, but you're right, we have to go to the root of the problem. It's always a heart issue. Good insights. Thanks.
Mom23QTs said…
I agree dad! People are flawed, not money. I bet you give me $1000 and Adam $1000 and see the difference! Prime example right there!
Wow!! What an excellent post!!! Very well written!
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. - 1Timothy 6:10

What an intresting response the guy gave you.

And if they do start handing out checks on Friday, let me know where I can sign up! LOL.
Kerri Farley said…
Another wonderful post Greg!
Kristen said…
"Be greedy with God." I love that!

I agree with you, too, and really liked this post. I also think that our culture promotes greed. Commercials and ads are always telling us we deserve more, we deserve the best, that what we have isn't good enough. (And, it doesn't matter if you can afford whatever *it* is, you still have to have it and deserve it.) It can be very difficult to mentally fight back those messages. But focusing on God is the way to do it.
Wanda said…
Congratulations Greg ~~~~ You are one smart cookie ~~ you got the right answer for the guessing game on my blog - my email is on my profile, email me your address and a set of my watercolor greeting cards will be send out soon!

LOL:) Wanda
ChrisJ said…
Good thoughts, Greg. I'm glad you take time to share them with us. I really like your writing style.

Popular posts from this blog

Hey Grandpa, What's for Supper

My plans have changed.

My new blog