Amen, Chad and Fellowservant, because it is the love of money that is the root, this verse is not just a warning to those who are wealthy in earthly goods. Although being rich is probably a fruit of loving money because it doesn't seem possible for someone to to be rich against their own will. Even the poor can be affected and have a love for money and yet be in lack. I know of quite a few christians who would love to be rich, but I believe it is by the grace of God that they are not.
Jesus said , "you can not serve two masters, you can not serve both God and money" ( Matthew 6:24).
In one respect many christians today have limited the preaching of the gospel with the mindset that it takes money to do so. This ridiculous mindset implies or suggests that God is limited and controlled by money. Look at this story in the book of Acts.
Acts 3:1-11
1*Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2*As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3*When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4*Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5*The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
7*Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8*He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9*All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10*When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11*They all rushed out to Solomon’s Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened.
If you read on through the next chapter you will find that thousands became believers through this event and it had nothing to do with money, oh, and did I mention that it had absolutely nothing to do with money, not even one red cent. Yet many will tell you that it takes money to preach the gospel and reach the lost, I say hogwash!!!!! This is just a lie that professional preachers use to get your money. It takes the power of God and nothing more.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
See how the love for money can corrupt? Just as Jesus said, if you love money you will end up hating God, no two ways about it.