1 Timothy chapter 6 verses 3-6(NIV)
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Paul is very clear in his letter to Timothy that we need to be very careful, as ambassadors for Christ, about our conduct and our priorities. These should be different to those that many in the world expect. Controversy, suspicion and constant friction belongs to the “dog eat dog” culture but it is not Godly behaviour. We are meant to reflect Christ, not our own desires.
I was also struck today by the comment about those who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. Something that would challenge those advocates of a prosperity gospel, methinks, and rightly so.
Paul sums it up by reminding Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain.
As long as we feel the need to struggle and strive towards our desired goals we will never be truly content, and therefore we need to reflect and realign our priorities. As we tell our young people in church, we need to remember to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and try to emulate that.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be content in every circumstance so that Your light can shine through me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.