Root of All Evil

Some say the root of all evil could be money because of 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (NLT) But money in itself is not evil or even our true desire but merely a means to get something more, because we have compared it to what we currently have. The desire for more in general comes from comparison with what we currently have versus what we do not. Some say the “root of all evil” is merely a myth or simply does not exist. But I say through wisdom and understanding (gifts of the Holy Spirit) and the trials in my own life that the answer to this age-old question, “What is the root of all evil?”, is simply comparison! We ALL have struggled from problems that stem from comparison in our lives even though many of us have already heard not to compare ourselves to others. It is a battle we all face, but I truly believe God is telling me it is even bigger than that. Comparison, if left un-checked in our lives, will dictate our actions, feelings, and even shape our future including our relationship with God. We must know that comparison is the root of evil and that it must be avoided to the very best of our ability so that our relationship with God can prosper. If someone told you they could give you one word that was the root of practically every problem in your life including frustration, jealousy, envy, anger, depression, and unhappiness would you listen? Would you use this knowledge to change?

The first sin by a human ever recorded was when Eve in the Garden of Eden sinned due to her desire for more knowledge when inspired by Lucifer’s temptation to compare her knowledge to that of God’s. Lucifer himself fell into this trap of temptation and path of darkness. He dared to compare himself to God which inspired the prideful actions that led to his fall. If Lucifer had fought his urge to compare and simply chosen to be the best he could be for God, he might still be one of the most powerful angels in heaven. Cain compared God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering to the rejection of his own leading him down the path of darkness which ended in him killing his own brother. Be mindful and guard your thoughts when you see television, Facebook, friends, co-workers, and even family including their possessions, actions, and accomplishments. Do not compare... God has beautifully orchestrated a different path and purpose for each of us to work in harmony and to the benefit of each other for His glory! If certain things in our lives are triggers for comparison, let us realize this through wisdom and understanding from God so that we may guard our thoughts and urges to compare, in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!

Case and Point:
How better can I give a case and point of this truth than to describe it using my own life? My father, who was one of the kindest men I have ever met, fell ill and passed unexpectedly when I was 35 years old. I do wonder why it was his time and certainly miss him, but I have chosen to be thankful. I am thankful for having him in my life for 35 years and all of the great memories I have with him. I could compare my father’s seemingly early death with that of other fathers I know who are well past that age, I could compare my life to friends and family who still enjoy time with their fathers, I could compare my father’s kindness to that of men who seem to have none and live much longer, but these are all paths to spiritual darkness. I don’t claim to understand why some seem so blessed while others seem so unfortunate, but I know God has a beautifully orchestrated plan for each of us. Our sinful nature will distract us from our own special plan with the temptation to compare our lives to others, and this temptation is always present in everything that we do. The moment you begin to compare is the moment you begin the journey into darkness.

I plead with all who find this message to stop comparing and spare yourselves from the problems that it creates in your lives and relationships with God, and may we be successful together in doing so, in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!

Path of Darkness:
Comparison leads to Pride / Judgement / Frustration / Jealousy / Envy / Boasting / Anger / Depression / Unhappiness which are all on the path to spiritual darkness.

Path of Light:
Do not compare... Be the best YOU can be for God without comparing your possessions, actions, or accomplishments to anyone else’s possessions, actions, or accomplishments. Be thankful to God for all he has blessed you with each and every day without comparison, and God will turn your life into a beacon of light as bright as the sun to shine glory, praise, and honor upon Himself and His son, Jesus!

(Posted: February 2016)