Money Is a Worship Issue

1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Money isn’t the enemy.
But when it becomes the object of your trust, affection, or identity—it’s no longer a tool. It’s a false god. And it will fail you every single time.

We love to quote 1 Timothy 6:10, but notice what it actually says:
“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Money itself is neutral—it’s a tool. But the moment we start loving it, serving it, or letting it define us, we’ve crossed a line. We’ve moved from stewardship to idolatry.

That’s exactly what happened in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:2–5).
Both brothers brought an offering to the Lord—but only one was accepted. Why?
Because Abel brought his first and best, while Cain gave from his leftovers.
The difference wasn’t just in what they gave—it was in the heart behind it.

Abel gave in faith. Cain gave in obligation.
And to this day, God still blesses faith over leftovers.

Proverbs 3:9–10 says:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
In other words—God doesn’t bless your tips. He blesses your trust.

I had to wrestle with that myself. There was a time when giving to God felt like one more bill. I gave what was convenient, not what was consecrated. But I started to realize—money reveals what you really worship.
Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:21:
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If I spend everything on me and give God the scraps, I’m not honoring Him—I’m just managing guilt. But when I choose to give to God first, I’m declaring, “You’re my Provider. My source. My security.”
That’s worship.

And here’s the paradox: the more I’ve released my grip on money, the more peace I’ve gained around it.
Because money makes a terrible god—but it makes a powerful servant.

The world says “get rich.”
Jesus says “be rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:17–19).
The world says “hold on tight.”
Jesus says “freely you’ve received—freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

To truly win with money, you have to settle the heart issue first.
God doesn’t need your money—but He wants your heart.
And when your heart is surrendered, generosity becomes a joy—not a burden.

So here’s the question we all have to answer:
Do I own my money, or does my money own me?

Give God your first.
Steward the rest with wisdom.
And trust that when God is first—everything else finds its proper place.