1 Tim 6:6-10
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
Gen 3:19 says "for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Since we cannot take anything away with us when we die, what should our expectation of wealth be when we are alive? Shouldn't it logically be that so long as we are clothed and fed enough to sustain us on earth, that should be enough. Whatever we accumulated while alive, we have to leave behind.
1 Tim 6:8 - And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
We trust that God will provide us what we needed to sustain us. When God provided enjoyment of good food, we go ahead and consume it and be thankful. Where God provide simply we gave thanks too. We must be contented in God and His provision. Godliness with contentment is great gain when we are Christ-sufficient.
1 Tim 6:9- 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.
The root of temptation is desire. When our wealth increase our desires increase; and temptation crept into our hearts. With temptation comes a snare, a trap for us to fall deeper and ultimately drown us in the lust for more.
Thus, we must set our desires right; have the right expectation and we will see through the lure of earthly wealth. Always putting God first and be Christ-sufficient, and we will be happy and contented in our lives.
1 Tim 6:10- 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.
Is money the source of evil, no, it is the love of money that is the source. Money in itself is useful and needed to sustain us, but the desire for more money will drive us to do things against the will of God. If we are consumed with the love of money we will do all things to get more money and fall into sin. The Bible has numerous stories of people who loved money and came to no good end. The famous one is Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. In modern days, how much money do you need to give Christ up? We gave up attending Sunday services for worldly gains, isn't this also betrayal of Christ?
What worldly desires do we have that held us back from setting our eyes towards God? Remember that nothing on this world can bring us contentment. The poorest man is one who has nothing but money. Christ gives us riches not in money but in the salvation of our lives, which is riches beyond the worldly money. Leave the worldly desires behind and set our desires right. Contentment will come when we are Christ-sufficient.
