The Cost of Greed
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” —1 Timothy 6:10
• • •
Days before taking the oath of office, Donald Trump unveiled a new cryptocurrency featuring his own face: $TRUMP. A follow-up coin, $MELANIA, soon followed. Without clear details on its value or purpose, the coins skyrocketed in popularity among supporters, gamblers, and those eager to curry favor with Trump. Overnight, the Trump family became billions of dollars richer on paper, while the rest of us are left grappling with the dangerous implications of this move.
Cryptocurrency has been described as “money with no purpose,” a market built on little more than speculation, scams, and schemes. Economist Paul Krugman called its foundation “technobabble and libertarian derp,” and he’s not wrong. But its dangers go deeper than economics. Trump’s foray into crypto reveals a disturbing truth about the moral decay of leadership in our time. It’s not just that this move reeks of corruption and greed; it’s that it mocks the very idea of public service.
Leadership is meant to be an act of stewardship. It’s a calling to serve others, to protect the vulnerable, and to lead with integrity. But when leadership is twisted into a means for personal profit, it erodes trust, weakens institutions, and harms the very people it is meant to protect. Trump’s cryptocurrency launch is just another example of what happens when the love of money takes precedence over the common good.
The Bible warns us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It blinds us to justice, corrupts our hearts, and creates systems that harm the most vulnerable. And yet, this isn’t just a Trump problem or a crypto problem—it’s a human problem. Greed is seductive. It whispers promises of security and power, but it leaves behind a trail of broken systems and fractured relationships.
As people of faith, we are called to a different way. We are called to serve, not to be served. To love people, not profits. To resist the pull of greed and instead invest in what truly matters: relationships, community, and the flourishing of all creation. This is not easy work, especially in a culture that celebrates wealth and power. But it is the work we are called to do.
Let us remember the words of Jesus: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). May we choose wisely whom we will serve. May we resist the corruption and greed that seek to dominate our world. And may we commit ourselves to the hard, holy work of building a society rooted in justice, compassion, and care for one another.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How can you resist the pull of greed in your own life and focus on what truly matters?
What does it mean for you to serve others with integrity and humility?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Integrity in Leadership
God of Justice,
We grieve the corruption and greed that harm Your creation.
We see the damage done when wealth is valued over people,
When power is used for personal gain instead of the common good.
Give us the courage to stand against systems of exploitation.
Help us to be leaders in our own communities,
Serving others with love, integrity, and humility.
May we invest not in fleeting wealth,
But in the eternal values of justice, compassion, and grace.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Investing in What Matters
Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with money, power, and influence. Ask yourself: Where am I placing my trust? Am I investing my time, energy, and resources in things that truly align with my values, or am I being swept up in the pursuit of more—more wealth, more status, more security? Be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to acknowledge where you might have drifted away from what matters most.
Once you’ve identified an area where you feel called to realign, take a concrete step toward change. Maybe it’s choosing to support a local organization that serves the vulnerable, or perhaps it’s reaching out to someone in need of encouragement or care. You could start a daily gratitude practice, reminding yourself of the abundance already present in your life, or commit to reducing unnecessary consumption as a way of honoring the planet and others. Whatever you choose, let it be intentional and meaningful.
Finally, take a few quiet moments to pray, asking for wisdom, courage, and discernment. Let this time of reflection and action become a grounding point for your week—a reminder that true wealth is found not in what we accumulate, but in how we love, serve, and show up for one another.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-session course called “Are We Made for These Times?” If you know Meg’s work, it’s going to be extraordinary. If you want the deep dive, the 8-session course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-session course here. Scholarships are available. I sooooo hope you can be a part of this!
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only two spots left!
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
Cameron, I was wondering if it would ok to record these in video and audio format to post on my TikTok and other social media platforms.