In the days of Jesus, it was the money changers in the
temple. They served a legitimate need for travelers who came to make offerings
to God, but they moved their business from outside the place of prayer into a
part of the temple where they did not belong. For them, money was more
important than worship.
In these days, it is those who promise blessings of money
and good health to listeners if they contribute to their cause, not realizing
that the ‘cause’ is a newer car, a bigger house, perhaps an airplane or two.
They moved their allegiance from Jesus Christ to lining their bank account.
Making money is not the evil; loving it more than the Lord
has become a problem. Paul warned Pastor Timothy to watch out for this in
others and in himself. The temptation is always there.
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 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. 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. (1 Timothy 6:3–10)
It's easy to make this about ‘us and them’ but this
passage does not focus on that distinction; it inserts ‘we’ into the mix. That
means I must take it to heart. I know what it is like to be puffed up with
conceit and to enjoy a good ‘discussion’ about word meanings. Instead of
trusting God to take care of those headed down the ‘different doctrine’ path,
I’m easily inclined to challenge them and stir things up, playing their own
game.
God challenges me with the statement that “godliness with
contentment is great gain” because it is true. I brought nothing into this
world and will take nothing out. I remember my dad’s last day and the hospital
handing me his possessions — a small cardboard box with his shaver and
aftershave lotion. That was it and he was content. My sister had a houseful of
things including some very fine art. She is now in a care facility with none of
that and no indication that she misses it. She is content.
The desire for money is one thing, but then there is that
desire for stuff. Every television commercial and magazine ad appeals to it. Spend more, be content but only if you buy
this. The human heart is far too easily sucked into the lies and pulled
away from trusting God.
I’ve a footnote for this passage and its warnings. The
more I purge the extras and unused things from my home, the more content I
feel. I don’t see a direct connection other than God says food and clothing
will be enough to produce contentment. This is a good word for everyone, from
minimalist to hoarder we all need to trust the Lord and not ‘stuff’ to give us
a satisfied heart.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jesus, You always give me lots to think about. I try to
keep stuff that once made me happy, like copies of published articles, old
clothes that don’t fit anymore, dishes that remind me of good times but are not
being used, books that I will never read again. You know the tendency of the
human heart. Forgive me for trying to maintain the joy of life with anything
other than You — my perfect joy-giver.
Today’s thankful list . . .
Contentment, one of God’s
greatest gifts.
Getting out in the
sunshine, finally.
Finding most of our
list on a short shopping trip.
Seeing all the
little ones shopping with their parents.
Sunglasses.
Cinnamon buns.
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