In 1792 the U.S. Mint began operations.

Hey, do you know what a mint is? Not the hard candy that you eat after dinner, but “mint” as in the U.S. Mint. Here’s a hint. If you work there, you’re not allowed to take home samples.

Actually, a mint is where money is made. That’s where the expression “worth a mint” comes from. At one time or another, everyone would like to be able to make his or her own money. But that would be against the law. Only the government can produce coins and bills.

But what if you could have your own mint? Imagine you had tons of money. Do you think your life would change?

Most would answer, “You bet!” And then they tell of all the stuff they’d buy and things they’d do—clothes, CDs, electronic gear, sports equipment, fabulous vacation trips, and a few gifts for friends. Sounds great, right?

Well, this is another area where it’s easy to be fooled. Money looks good, but it can cause a bunch of trouble.

That’s what Paul was telling young Timothy in today’s verse. The “love of money” can lead to greed, theft, broken relationships, anger, hatred, cheating, and even murder. And worst of all, money can become an idol, taking the place of God in a person’s life.

Money itself isn’t bad. In fact, God gives us money and other resources to use for him. But loving it and craving it is terrible.

Stick to the candy mint!

For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

To Do

Look at today’s paper and find all the news articles about problems caused by money. Just about every section, even the sports section, will have something.

Also on this day . . .

1805—Famous author Hans Christian Anderson was born.

1845—The first clear photograph of the sun was taken.

1877—The first Easter “egg roll” on the grounds of the White House was held.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.