The Root of All Evil? (Updated from the original posted on 9/20/13)

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

-- Timothy 6:10

Is "the love of money" the root of all evil? Maybe not so much, anymore. It's been made easier to go on welfare than it is to work. And, if you're not willing to work, why would you want to make the effort to steal? Most people not working, I see them on street corners with a sign, lying for any money that comes their way, and lots of them can't even do that right. I suppose the root of evil would be in the argument that they are lying to get the money, so that, in itself, evidences evil in the activity.

In reality, the phrase really held no water from its inception. Murder, rape, and child molestation are not done for money. Well, not always, and they're all still evil.  Some, more so.

Then, there is Christian Ballard.

In 2013, Christian just up and walked away from the Minnesota Vikings training camp. What? But, what of the money? That pro football paycheck? Seems like Christian had an epiphany, which he stated in his own words during an interview:  "I wasn't really having a good time playing football. It wasn't fun for me. It wasn't a blast for me. Making that much money, was fun. But money is still a material thing. You can always make money. You can't make that time that you lose with your friends and your loved ones. Time is something that you can never get back."

So Christian discovered that the money wasn't enough, there was more to life. He will continue his education and spend more time with his son. For some, the lure of lights, cameras, and fame is what they live for. For others, like Christian, perhaps the lure was there but the fame and the money just weren't everything they hoped for.  I like Christian.

Sometimes money really isn't everything. Like Christian says, "You can always make money." I would like to get this across to the panhandlers on those street corners, but they have no intention of looking for a job.  This is evidenced by them occupying the same street corners year after year. You can't look for work if your feet are cemented to a curb.

Christian is also right about not being able to get back the time you lose. I know this from experience. I lost much of the time in my daughter's life, and a bit of my son's, due to a messy divorce. It is time I will never get back. More than money, time is the most precious commodity. Many of us have not had that realization yet. But, then, many of us have but refuse to admit it to ourselves. Too busy making money.

"Love of money" isn't always the root of all evil, any more than "time heals all wounds."  I think money is supposed to make life a bit easier, so we can enjoy the time and the people we have here on earth. You don't need a lot of money, just enough to allow you to have the time. We get caught in the vicious cycle caused by our desire for "stuff," mistakenly thinking that this "stuff" will make our lives fuller and happier. We work ourselves to death trying to keep this lifestyle of "stuff." God forbid we should lose it all, we'd kill ourselves. Over stuff? It's just stuff!  It really isn't worth one's life.

I wake up every morning, knowing I have food and a roof, clothing, and a little cash in the bank. I have two children that are thriving, two grandchildren that are precious, and my mom is still alive (another gift). I am blessed with what I have. If I had no job and no money, I would still consider myself rich with all I do have.  I know this because I've been there and done that.  Instead of replacing my pride with an unemployment check, I rejoined the Air Force.  But, I'll always be rich.

What makes you rich?

“It is impossible to escape the impression that people commonly use false standards of measurement — that they seek power, success and wealth for themselves and admire them in others, and that they underestimate what is of true value in life.”

-- Sigmund Freud

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com