What a Dog Treat and the Bible have in Common.

Would you believe that I was inspired by ingredients in Bella's Dog Treats?  Would you believe that someone thinks that a compound called Polyethylene Glycol is great for frequent consumption by a dog?  The chemical has such diverse uses as a laxative and an ingredient in ANTIFREEZE!  The next time you need a laxative compare the labeling between between Polyethylene Glycol and Psyllium Husk based products and see which one has more warnings.

This led me toward a familiar Bible passage.
1 Tim 9-10: But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (NASB)  The links provided by Crosswalk Bible Study Tools will lead you to references to the original Greek.


I had always been taught that "love of money" meant simply on a personal basis coveting money or being too greedy.  A look at the original Greek reveals a deeper meaning and potential life application.


Love is expressed by the original Greek as the transliterated word, Philarguria.  A more literal translation would be "Friend to Shiny Things".  Arguria is based on the word Arguros which is used by the Apostle Paul in the context of the money of that time period; Gold, Silver, and Copper coins.

What happens when the passage is understood in the context of being a consequence of prevalent group behavior?  This is where my dog shines some light on the depravity of valuing money above all things: 

Once I realized the harmful effects of valuing money above the consumer it was clear how all sorts of evil is causing serious consequences:

1. My cute dog eating a chemical that is an ingredient in Antifreeze each time she earns a treat.   Who can take pride in producing such a product?  Read the warning labels of laxatives containing this substance to really get mad!
2. The domination of corn and corn derivatives to produce high carbohydrate, low nutrition, and low cost/high gross margin food.  Is America healthier after decades of processed food?  Can someone be found who will be praised for improving society and revolutionizing culinary excellence in such products?
3. Pots and pans which scorch, warp or break easy, and some are great sources of dietary teflon.  How many are in landfills?  Ceramic, Stainless Steel, and Cast Iron cookware can be passed along through generations.  What is real wealth? Is there anything which the producers can be proud except their profits?
4. Cadmium used in toys for Children!  The good news is at least one expert thought there was not enough of the toxic metal to lead to Brain Damage.

The forementioned Dog Treats are in the trash can!   We want Bella to live many healthy years.  She will have healthy treats tomorrow.