follow the money

In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul warns us: “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” This statement, often misquoted to read the "money is the root of all evil", holds profound truth for today’s cultural challenges, especially when examining divisive ideologies like racism, woke culture, and the broader LGBTQ+ narrative. Beneath their surface lies a financial motive that feeds on division and identity politics, often at the expense of truth, unity and the people that make up our community.

The Financial Incentive Behind Division

We live in a time when industries and organizations profit from social upheaval. Racism, for example, is a deeply painful and historical reality, yet it has been exploited for monetary gain. Institutions rake in billions through grants, donations, and programs aimed at "solving racism," yet these initiatives often amplify division rather than promote healing. Why? Because resolving conflict threatens the income streams of those invested in perpetuating it.

Similarly, the explosion of woke culture, particularly regarding transgenderism and LGBTQ+ ideologies, is not just a social movement; it’s a lucrative industry. Pharmaceutical companies profit immensely from gender-affirming treatments and surgeries. Media outlets, corporations, and political entities align themselves with these causes because they bring visibility, support, and most importantly, funding.

A Misguided Narrative

The love of money twists good intentions into harmful ideologies. At its core, the woke culture claims to advocate for inclusion and equality. Yet, when driven by financial incentives, the focus shifts from the welfare of individuals to the pursuit of profit. Young people, vulnerable in their search for identity, are targeted as pawns in a system that benefits from their confusion and struggles.

In the context of LGBTQ+ and transgenderism, this love of money has fueled an industry that markets identity crises and bodily modifications as solutions. It disregards the deeper spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, offering expensive and invasive solutions that often leave people more broken than before.

The Call for Truth

As followers of Christ, we must discern the underlying motives of these cultural movements. Our battle is not against individuals but against the spiritual forces and systems that exploit humanity’s vulnerabilities for profit (Ephesians 6:12). Racism, identity confusion, and societal division are not new issues, but their commodification in our time reveals the sinister power of greed.

Rather than succumbing to these narratives, we are called to offer the truth of God’s Word: that every individual is created in His image (Genesis 1:27), and our identity is found in Christ alone. True healing and restoration cannot be bought or sold but are freely given through the transformative power of God’s love.

A Way Forward

Authentic men must rise above cultural distractions and focus on addressing the heart of the issue: the love of money that fuels these movements. This isn’t a call to ignore societal problems but to challenge the systems that exploit them for gain.

Through prayer, discipleship, and bold teaching, we can help people discern their God-given identity and find hope beyond the false promises of the world. Let us stand firm in love and truth, pointing others to Christ, who alone offers freedom and purpose.