You’ve heard it before… “Money is the root of all evil.”  That is not true.  In fact, contrary to popular belief, the Bible never says that either! What the Bible actually says is “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”  (1 Timothy 6:10) (my emphasis added) Why is this subtle difference in wording so significant and worth noting?  Because money in and of itself is nothing more than a tool. It’s an object and neither inherently good nor evil. But, how we relate to that object and how we use that object can be! As leaders and sales professionals living in a business world based on money, we need to be prepared for the battle.

Three-Part Series Starts Today!

Our priorities as leaders and sales professionals will define who we are and how we lead. We’re going to break up the love of money topic into three blog posts. Here’s our lineup. I’m looking forward to your comments:

Part 1 – Today – What is the root of all evil?

Part 2 – August 21st – Why is this root so important?

Part 3 – August 28th – How can we battle the root?

Part 1: What is the Root of all Evil?

We know it’s not actually the money itself, but rather how we relate to the money. It’s our love for the money that is the real root of evil. When we love something, by definition, we place a high priority on it.  When we place a high priority on something, we will base our actions on it.  For example, I love my wife and because of that, she’s a high priority to me. If I break a planned lunch date with her at the last minute so I can play golf, then I have just placed a higher priority on my golf game than on my wife.

Our actions will be consistent with our highest priorities. And, those actions will continue to feed and nurture that priority. When I love money (commission) more than my customers, I say whatever needs to be said just to close the deal. When I love money (bonus) more than the people on my team, I force long hours and bark orders at them to complete a project early.

“ When you love something you place a high priority on it, and your priorities determine your actions. —RUSS PETERSON JR.

What are three things we need to know about this root?

First, The Root is the Source

The root is the source of the plant.  Everything grows from the root. If you own a yard then you know the turmoil of removing weeds from your flower beds or your yard. Merely cutting them with a lawnmower will only remove them for a week or so.  If you want to get rid of them completely, you have to remove the root. Our love of money is a root or a source that will produce actions. Those actions will be tainted or evil if the source of your actions is the love of money.

Second, A Root Creates a Foundation Below the Surface

With a few exceptions of exotic plants, the roots of the plant are below the surface. They are out of sight and in the darkness. As long as the roots have the nutrients they need, they will continue to grow. Our love of anything is private and below the surface. It’s planted deep in our hearts and known only to us. If our heart is aligned with a love for money and what money brings, then we are nurturing this root every chance we get. As the root grows, it will create a stronger hold on our heart. It feeds on our heart and grows in the darkness, hidden from the sight of others until one day, it breaks above the surface.

If the root system has a strong enough foothold, the plant can grow above the surface and in plain sight. It now has the strength to withstand the attacks from others. If someone questions our actions as inappropriate, the root system will cause us to counter with a deflection, an excuse, or an outright lie to justify our actions and protect itself.

“ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. —1 TIMOTHY 6:10

Third, A Root Produces a Plant

Evil roots produce evil actions and good roots produce good actions.  Eventually a root system sends the plant above the surface to grow. The plant will produce some kind of flower blossom, pollen, or maybe even fruit. Just as a pear tree will only produce pears, a love for money will produce fruit that is self-serving. If we truly want to be an agent for good, then we need to start with our hearts. Start with the source. If we change the root, we change the plant, and we change the fruit.

What’s growing in your heart?

Still trying to get it right,
Russ

NEXT WEEK:  Part 2: Why is this root so important?

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