“Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”1 Timothy 6:6-7
A few days ago, Emily and I read through 1 Timothy chapter 6 in our weekly devotions. It taught me to be content. It dared me to trust.
I think the majority of us have had sleepless nights worried about our finances. Maybe you were laid off from your job. Maybe your furnace broke down and needed expensive repairs. Maybe you just wished you made more money so that you could afford ‘nice’ things for your family.
The world teaches us that we are defined by the money we make. It determines what house we can afford, how well we dress, and often even who our friends are. Our success is evaluated by the magnitude of our income. Our contentment is found in the things that we can afford to purchase.
The Apostle Paul turns this thinking on it’s head, “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 6:9-10
Paul’s argues that you can’t be defined by something that is temporal and fleeting. Seeking after these things will lead you to eventual destruction. You cannot take your money with you into the next world. So instead, “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 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.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12. These things are eternal. They are treasures that you can take with you into the next life.
This has been a busy year for me. I got married, bought a house and I have a child on the way. These have all been huge blessings to me, but they have come along with anxieties, often financial. It isn’t easy paying for a house and family. Babies are expensive. I should be starting college funds, RRSPs, and Lord knows what else. All too easily I give way to my anxieties and become overwhelmed with worry. I stop trusting the Faithful Creator who richly sustains us with all things.
“Charge them not to… set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17
In the end, it comes down to what and who we trust.
Do I put my trust in my bank account, which is plagued with the uncertainty of all things temporal? Or do I put my trust in my trust in a Loving God, in whom there is ‘no variableness, neither shadow of turning’? When I step back and look at it in this light, the decision is clear. I will trust the Lord with the finances He has given me, and hope in His promise that He will richly provide for me and my family. With the Lord’s help, I will pursue godliness and love instead of earthly riches. I will learn to find the deep and abiding contentment of a godly life. I won’t do this perfectly until I reach heaven’s gates, but in my heart I know He will see me through. Sometimes we need to be reminded of what’s truly important in this life. 1 Timothy 6 did this for me. Now to Him “who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
