1 Timothy 6:6–10 (ESV) — 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out
of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will
be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into
temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge
people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some
have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
NOTE: I use these
verses all the time, but somehow I have separated verse 10 from verses 6-8. The
danger, the love of money, starts with a lack of contentment in combination
with a lack of godliness. In this context, godliness (God-like-ness) would
suggest an unusual concern for others over self. When we really put others
first and when we are content with what we have, the "great gain' is the
god-like attributes of service, love, and grace. But when we are more concerned
for ourselves, and when we are not content, we are driven to pursue money and
more money. It is the desire to be rich that is the danger as well. Some will
be rich and God never suggests the rich are sinful for being rich. But the rich
do have a separate standard. In both cases, godliness and contentment are the
key and the secret to a great spiritual gain.
PRAYER: Father, when
I am rich or not, in the standards of the world or even the US, I need to be
contentment and I need to use the great resources you have given for the
benefit of others--missionaries, the poor, and my brothers and sisters in need.
Father, I pray that you would govern my giving. Protect me from the snare of
money.
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