Daily Devotion for February 08, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read 1 Timothy 6:7-10.

This week, we are focusing on the ways, attitudes, habits, thinking and beliefs in which we have our life rooted. Most of our emphases in our devotions have been on Scriptures that tell us where we are to “sink our roots.” However, today we are given a word of caution about not letting a certain root take hold in our life.  

The Apostle Paul is writing to his young apprentice Timothy and giving him guidance about being a leader and teacher in the church. At this point, he focuses on the powerful temptation that is acquiring more and more of the things of this world. It is easy to let “the love of money” take root in our mind because it can be a powerful force. You can not only buy a lot of things, you can influence people.  Having money can be an addictive draw on any of us. And like most anything in life, it can be used for good or evil. It can be a resource for ministry, helping people and serving the mission of Christ our Lord. But you can also allow yourself to learn to love money for selfish reasons, and at that point, it can “plunge people into ruin and destruction.”  

John Wesley had some excellent advice on our relationship with money.  He said “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” I encourage you to sink your roots into that financial stewardship plan.  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious God, thank you for the financial resources with which you have entrusted me. Help me to always use them for your purposes, both in my own life and in the lives of others. Through Christ, Amen.