Deathbed Attitude About Money

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.1-5]

It seems that in both of Paul's letters addressed to Timothy, there is definite teaching about money. One can imagine then that money was well-known by this time as an obstacle to following Christ.  Jesus warned of it. And, the contexts of Paul's mention of money certainly indicate it to be so!

It is worth pointing out that Paul's thoughts about money come at a time in his life when he is seemingly certain that his life on earth is about over. At this time in life, Paul is taking the time to point out that money can be problematic. I wonder why...

Money is not a curse. However, loving it is perhaps one of the most dangerous things a believer can do. According to Paul's warning to Timothy, the love of money closely accompanies the love of self. I believe the love of self, likewise, closely accompanies the love of money too. Where there is one, the other is most likely lurking.

Then, following the love of self and money is a Pandora's Box of undesirable traits. "Pride and arrogance" begin a list of undesirable traits that ends with perhaps the worst of all: acting religious without any trace of power (to give the glory to God).

Is it any wonder Paul did not instruct Timothy on how to minister to those trapped in the 'love of self and money' cycle? Instead, Paul said, "Avoid them!"

Yes, Paul's indirect lesson in his letters to Timothy is that money is dangerous. Again, Paul seems to think his life is about over... His reflection on money should tell us all that perhaps Paul had some regrets about his own pursuit of money??? Regardless, Paul knew that it was an important end-of-life conversation to have with his protege Timothy.

I have heard it said that there is little or no record of anyone ever having said on their deathbed that they wished they had spent more time making money...

Father, help me to get a deathbed attitude about money.