Our scripture this morning is 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 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.
Paul shares wise counsel with Timothy in this passage. Contentment is something most of us long for, but we are caught in the human-fueled error that “more is better”. Paul speaks of the temptation we face in our desire to increase our wealth or power or position, and in that pursuit, we often fall into sin.
We may have heard Paul misquoted as saying “money is the root of all evil”. What this passage actually says is the love of money is the root of all evil (v. 10). Money is merely a tool, neither good nor evil. What we are willing to do for money and what we do with it after we obtain it is where the decision to sin occurs.
It is easy to look at those who have wealth and say, “why don’t they do something good with their money?” when we are only responsible for our own earning and giving. Greed blinds some to the needs of others. Our perceived financial situations can make it easy to think the responsibility to help belongs to others of greater means. God calls us all to make a conscious choice to be generous with what we have, no matter the amount. This will bring us to the contentment Paul spoke of, knowing we have done what is right with what God has given us.
Gracious God, we have been blessed beyond measure by Your love and forgiveness. Help us to bless others who need what we can offer, that all may know Your love and care. Amen.