“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 ESV).
The first-century counsel given to us here in in 1 Timothy 6:10 has led one commentator to identify an important 21st century application…
“As Christians who live in a materialistic world, we must cultivate Paul’s attitude of contentment very deliberately (cf. Heb. 13:5-6). This is an especially difficult task in a society like the one in which we live in North America. We are constantly hearing through advertising and the media that we ‘need’ all kinds of luxuries. According to Paul, and Jesus, our personal needs as human beings are very few. Paul’s point was that we should seek godliness more diligently than we seek money and the things it can buy.” (1)
The correlation between this ancient cautionary message from 1 Timothy 6:10 and modern-day advertising is worthy of further exploration. For instance, have you ever considered why advertising dominates so many internet web sites? At times, it may seem as if the content of a web page is little more than a vehicle that is designed to deliver the maximum number of advertisements.
The reason for this is simple: the right kind of advertising can be highly effective in selling merchandise. For instance, advertisers frequently imply that consumers will get more than just the benefit of a product or service; they will also get something desirable in return. That “something” might include happiness, respect, attention from others, or social acceptance, just to name a few examples.
This strategy often involves an attempt to make us feel dissatisfied with the things we already possess. If we can be made to feel dissatisfied because we don’t have what an advertiser is selling, we may be more inclined to purchase their merchandise. This is how promotional campaigns get viewers and listeners to concentrate on “needs” that are related to their products. It also aligns with a basic rule that governs all advertising: “Find a need and fill it. If no need exists, then create one.”
In light of this, 1 Timothy 6:10 (along with the counsel given to us earlier in 1 Timothy 6:9) should motivate us to guard against a materialistic attitude. As we’re told in Romans 12:2…
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(1) Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 1 Timothy 2021 Edition [6:9-10 B. False teachers 6:3-10] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1timothy/1timothy.htm