Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:6-10
I am glad that Paul wrote this to a young pastor. As I serve my people, that service can be my focus. I don’t have to worry about gaining things in this world. Living a good life, content with what He has provided, has afforded my much happiness. It has also helped me by-pass many self-inflicted piercings that would have caused me regrets. Most importantly it has allowed me to stay focused on sharing God’s lifestyle with others who aren’t wealthy.
The desire to have wealth is what leads us into all kinds of traps. It gives the enemy a broad avenue into our heart. He can walk right in and look around. He can devise a trap specifically designed for us. We stab ourselves with our own greediness so that we are weakened to the point of giving him a great advantage over us. Our own lusts drown us. He just has to yell encouragement to get us out over our heads. We walk into the snare for him!
Paul makes the best point. We didn’t bring anything with us. Surely we don’t think we will take anything when we move on to the next world. It is with the very basics of life that we are to be content. EVERYTHING ELSE IS LUXURY. Since we have all we need in this country we must practice our contentment so that we don’t trap ourselves for the enemy.
Gaining Godliness,
Pastor Jason
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