Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 26, 2015
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. 1 Timothy 6:8-9
I tend to define rich as those who have much more than I have. The wealthy have bigger homes, cars, vacations and bank accounts. But in comparison to most of the world, I am materially rich. Rich is relative. With many around the globe living on a dollar a day, most of us who live in the west could be classified as very well off. Friends overseas scratch their heads over why Americans have a house for our cars (a garage), and why we waste water by sprinkling it on our lawns. Being rich means more opportunities for good and for bad. Contentment tames the wild side of wealth.
The apostle Paul writes to his protégée Timothy with a warning about wealth. He begins with the remedy to being controlled by cash—contentment. Contentment is the ability to live joyfully in the here and now, without obsessing over what might lie ahead. It cultivates fulfillment from the ordinary without needing more. Timothy served some who owned a lot of stuff. Contentment celebrates another’s good fortune without coveting their fortune. It dismisses greedy accumulation.
“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” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Are you chasing cash or seeking Christ? One eliminates the other. Perhaps you take stock of how to enjoy the simple things in life that bring the most joy. Luxuriate in a home cooked meal with a friend. Engage in conversation full of laughter and love. Take regular walks with your spouse. Breathe in God’s fresh air and discuss how He is keeping your faith fresh. Pray for one another and for others. Turn off technology and break out a favorite board game so your family avoids boredom. Relational fulfillment keeps away the harmful ruin of riches.
Furthermore limit your lifestyle so you are available to serve others. Too much travel can keep you from consistent commitments. Focus on what the Spirit is leading you to do—not what the flesh is tempting you to do. A warning: keep away from the desire to get rich. It is a temptation and a trap. If the Lord blesses you with wealth be grateful and generous. These traits are nice travel companions. If God blesses you with a day to day existence, be thankful for His daily provision. Rich people problems are solved by content living. Pursue character and not cash.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow my heart to be content in Christ and not striving for more cash.
Related Readings: Job 1:21; Proverbs 30:8; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11
Post/Tweet this today: Contentment is the ability to live joyfully in the here and now, without obsessing over what might lie ahead. #money #wisdomhunters
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