“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Timothy 6:6-10 KJV)
You won’t hear many sermons on this passage in North America. The urges of material prosperity assail us from every point of the compass. Who doesn’t want a mega-dollar bank account? Of course, we all do. Material riches oil the hinges of the doors of our lives.
It is difficult for most of us to envision our first moments on this earth, yet we arrived with nothing but the skin that covers our frame. It is even more difficult to console ourselves with the certain knowledge that the end of this life will resemble its beginning. Brought nothing in, will carry nothing out.
So, our lives — yes, our eternal destinies — are not about stuff, but life gets to be very difficult without some material benefits. Yet, Paul admonishes Pastor Timothy to not yield to the temptations of material wealth, but rather to be content with food and clothing . . . the necessities of life.
Oh that 21st century Christianity would not ignore Paul’s exhortation here. The desire and pursuit of material wealth is a temptation that will entrap us. This chasing after riches will produce many unwise choices and self-inflicted injuries, because of our lusts. The end results of chasing riches are death and ruin.
Following such sobering wisdom could save us a lifetime of sorrow and despair, because the “love of money is the root of all evil.” Be certain of this one thing: destroyed character, destroyed lives, destroyed reputations, and destroyed families are all the results of evil. Anything that produces these results is evil.
On the other hand, if we pursue godliness and content ourselves with the necessities of life, we will enjoy treasures beyond imagination that rust cannot destroy and thieves cannot steal. Godliness + contentment = great gain.
Dear Father, thank you for the riches of your storehouse in glory. Instill in us the determination to be rich in your grace and content with your blessings. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in godliness and contentment,