DAY 13: The love of money

Reading: 1 Timothy 6: 6-10, 17-19
‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness
to be rich some have wandered away from the faith’ v10 (NRSV)

 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 richfall 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.

 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

 Oh that we could reach that point of godliness with contentment. Do
we strive after things? The next car, set of clothes, house, job or pay
rise? All things which in themselves may not be wrong, but do show
a restless spirit that is not content with where God has placed us? As
Christians we are called to blossom where we are planted and to be
content in all things. Paul warns against desiring to be rich, for it is
the way of temptation. The love of money can lead us astray. It is a
reminder of the need to set our heart on God and on serving Him. As
we do so we will find that contentment which comes from godliness,
from being shaped in the image of our heavenly Father.
Some of the harshest words in scripture are for those who have
the blessing of riches, for if they hold on to those things then they
harm their spirit. So we rejoice in all that God has provided for our
enjoyment and seek to do good with it. The by-product will be that we

are laying a foundation for spiritual growth.

 For Further Reading: Psalm 49 - further thoughts on the perils of wealth.
To Ponder: What things can get in the way of you gaining godliness with
contentment? What are you doing to change things?
To Pray: Lord Jesus, in a materialistic world it is difficult to be content

with my lot. Help me to trust and rest in you. Amen.

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