Read 1 Timothy 6:2c-21
Verses chosen for reflection:
1 Timothy 6:6-12
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. 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
Reflect:
In this part of the letter, Paul warned Timothy of believers who saw godliness as a form of personal gain. These were the ones who might appear to be holy or speaking from what comes from Scripture; but treated their knowledge as something to boast about. Or their knowledge of God was something they held with much pride and even used it to provoke frequent debates. Such debates were not so much for seeking the truth (for they think they know everything) but as an avenue to "prove" to others that they know a lot.
In contrast, Paul advised all believers that having godliness with contentment is great gain. For whatever we have, including our knowledge of God comes from the Lord. We cannot bring anything into our personal possession after we passed away from this earth. Similarly, when we are birthed into this world, we did not bring anything with us either. Even the body which we are born with is a gift from God.
The idea is that we can live a more peaceful and joyful life if we live with eternity in mind. We do not pursue after worldly and perishable things of the world for doing so will inly cause us great grief and sometimes even be tempted to wander away from the faith. For if we cannot find contentment in the life that God has given to us, we will always be striving against Him for more.
Relate
In my younger days, my family and I struggled financially. As a result, I sought work to earn my own keep even when studying full time in the schools until my final year in the university.
When I started work, it became a given that the financial side of things was very important to me. I told myself that I never wanted to go back to the days when I have to strive for my daily living. So when I was promoted year after year with good salary increments and bonuses, I was very happy. I didn't know then that all of these were God's grace to me despite my depravity over material things.
When I came to know the Lord and after a few years of walking with Him; He opened my heart to His truth and kingdom. His kingdom where true joy and peace does not come from the things of this world; but comes from having an intimate relationship with my Saviour.
In His grace, God can and will provide if there is a need to. Yet, I learned that those are not the most important things in life. Despite having more, I recalled that I was actually more joyful when I had very little. For life was much simpler then. Contentment was easier to find.
Indeed, in Christ, I have all that I need. Salvation is key to an eternal life with God. In the meantime, hearing from God on what He wants me to do ordinarily on a daily basis is the door to a more peaceful, fulfilling the joyful life. This is something I learnt and having to re-learn, perhaps to the day I die. May the Lord then help me to fight the good fight of faith and learn to live in His grace.
Rest
Thank You Lord for your gift of contentment and Your truth on eternity. Help me to live out Your truth and give me the strength to pursue the things that truly matter: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. In Jesus' Name.
Jason
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