Is Money the root of Evil

In our world today there is one item that controls us and influences us all, money; the thing that makes us who we are or who we want to be. However, money is not necessarily the root of all evil. If money is used appropriately, money has the influence of benefiting those around us, yet at the same time it can bring out the worst in many people. Money also controls society where it can cause substantial problems in politics, the government as well corrupt cities. Lastly, although money is indeed the root of everything, we cannot live with money because of our economic society.
Everything has its pros and cons and whatever it may be there is always an outcome. Money however, is not necessarily the root of all evil. Money can definitely help many people. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that money can make a huge impact for those around us. For instance, every year I stock a shoebox with toys and goods for the yearly event of Operation Christmas Child. Knowing that a child from around the world is receiving my shoebox, I can understand that a little money can bring happiness for those who are in need.
However, anyone can use money, even well off citizens; it doesn’t matter if you are poor, wealthy or rich. You can spend money on whatever you like; whether its computer games, food, entertainment, or even gambling. The problem with money is that everyone would like an abundance of it, but not everyone has the opportunity to have it at their disposal. When too many people are longing for the same thing and there is not enough to go around, people start creating their own ways on how to get their own share.

Soon enough, crime becomes a factor and humans lose their morality and start stealing from one another. When I was in grade 10, my parents bought me a brand new IPod; nevertheless, it was stolen because someone wanted it as well. Money also can cause significant damage to once a stable political society to become spiteful and greedy. The United States is the perfect example. President Bush has always had a strong desire to lead his country. However, the decisions that he made only benefited what he believed was best and not what the country believed.
In 2001, President Bush made the decision of declaring war in Afghanistan. The main purpose of the war was to capture Bin Laden as well as to destroy Al-Queda. Nevertheless, the mission became into trying to control Afghanistan itself. Over 20,000 troops were sent to insure control. In order to pay for the enormous project and mission, cuts were made and state entities had to be closed; many workers lost their jobs. President Bush Mayor found that the war was more important than the country itself.
In turn, the country has to find its own ways to pay for its own necessities; which only will result in depreciation. We also see on a regular basis of other federal government cases that centre on embezzlement with government funds when all the while more important issues can be solved with the money being cheated by our leaders and superiors. Eventually, the focal point becomes on money and not the important issues such as the homeless and crime. People in general love money; we love to own nice things and are excited when we are able to purchase that item we once dreamed about having one day.
There are some, though, that have problems using it in the proper way. Instead of saving money, I purchase useless items that are not necessary. Last March break, I went snowboarding with my friends in Banff with my brand new fast snowboard rather than paying off the debt I owed to my parents. In reality, we place money at the top of everything; it is the first and foremost on the minds of people. We dream constantly of what would make our lives better; if we need the money desperately, if we need to satisfy our desires, or even to try and fulfill our dreams.
A Homeless man on the street needs money to buy food, a mother needs money to take care of her child, and a father needs money to pay his home mortgage payment. We would all like to “have it all. ” I dream of living in the perfect world; where I live in the perfect community, drive the fastest car and owning the newest entertainment systems. It all comes down to how we place the importance of our wants and needs. I always desire what my friends have, but by what means will I go to get it? Will I get another job? Or ultimately even choosing the negative outcome by stealing?
Money is surely the root of everything, good and evil. Money controls the world that we live in. It’s something that we need to survive with and it’s one of the most manipulative objects that can control us. Money is the root of everything, good and evil. In our society today, we cannot walk out the door without seeing something that involves money. It is up to us on how we manipulate it and how we use it in our daily lives. I’ve learned that with money comes discernment. What type of discernment will I use when I want to have something?
The Parable of the lost son in the bible tells the story of a young man who wants his share of his father’s inheritance. Not long after that, the young son took off to a distant country and squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, he had nothing, and continued by living by working on a farm and eating what the pigs ate. The lesson of the story is that we need to use money wisely and to have the right discernment. So ask yourself, how do you spend money? Do you use it wisely? Or spend it foolishly?