But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6 NIV
Who is your master? That will determine what you do with the life that you’ve been given.
Some are mastered by sinful desires. They are enslaved to sinful behavior. Some are mastered by addiction. They are enslaved to their addiction. Some are mastered by the love of money. They are enslaved to material things.
All of these ways fall short of bringing us true peace and joy. They fail to apprehend the life that is truly life.
The truth of God’s Word liberates our minds, and our lives, when we put it into action.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
1 Timothy 6:7 NIV
Empty-handed we came and empty-handed we leave. All the things of this world are left behind when we leave this world.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:8 NIV
What do we need for daily life? Let’s be content if our basic needs are met. Let’s find our satisfaction in our relationship with God.
There are so many in this world that go without. Are we taking more than our fair share? Do we have more than enough? Let’s not be wasteful, but instead consider the needs of the whole of humanity. Let’s look out for one another and not only ourselves.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV
Pursuing worldly riches is a trap and a lie. It doesn’t matter how much you have, if you’re enslaved to gaining wealth, too much is never enough. It corrupts you and everything you do. Bankrupt souls love money.
We all have the same basic, human needs. Money is a tool, not the answer. You can’t eat money. Money doesn’t love you. Money can’t save your soul on Judgment Day.
Only God saves. Let’s put our faith in Him. He is worthy of our devotion and service. Let’s put Him first above all other things.
When our allegiance is to God, everything else falls in line. When we serve idolatrous desires, everything falls apart. It’s time we get back on track.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
God is our source. He’s the source of all life. He gives us everything we need for life and for godliness. Every created thing will perish. Only in Christ do we find eternal life.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6:18 NIV
If God has blessed you, it’s not just for your selfish enjoyment. The greatest blessing is found in helping others. Whatever God has given you is meant to be used to further the work of God in this world.
When you learn to be content with having food and clothing, you are freed from being enslaved to the accumulation of material things. Consumerism is what is destroying our planet. Our lifestyles are unsustainable. We must change our ways if we want to see better days.
Unfortunately, carnal man is selfish and short-sighted. Fortunately, this world is not our home. Our home is in Heaven and we’re just traveling through.
In light of this, what should we do?
Place our hope, trust and faith in God. Do what He says to do. And enjoy our temporary residence here on Earth while looking forward to the New Creation.
Father in Heaven, right size our expectations, our dreams and desires. Let Your priorities become our priorities. We repent of worldliness. We renounce any agreement we’ve had with the love of money. We rededicate ourselves to serving You wholeheartedly. In the Name of Jesus we pray and declare these things. Amen.
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:19 NIV
Recommended reading: 1 Timothy 6.
Igniter Ministries 