Greed and Contentment

I Timothy 6:3-10

I drove I-95 from Brunswick to Kingsland 6 days a week for over a year. Just before I got to my exit there was a Georgia Lottery sign that told all the millions of dollars you could win. I used to think, if only I could win that I would be able to do..... Fill in the blank. I could think of all the people I could help. I could help ministries. It wouldn't be long though, and I would be thinking about a new truck, or a house, or property, etc. My desires would shift from ministry focused to selfish. I knew that money never brings happiness or contentment. Even the richest people in the world find themselves wanting more.

---

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

I Timothy 6:3-10

---

Paul tells Timothy that there are those Christians who loved to argue. They do not teach sound doctrine or godliness. They are proud but do not possess knowledge of God. They cause turmoil in the church and feel that their faith is a way to get rich. Paul told Timothy to withdraw himself from these people. Because of their pride and greed they could not be taught, or rather would not be taught.

Paul then contrasts this with Godly contentment. Paul new that things did not bring joy or peace. No amount of money could do that. When a person places their faith completely in Jesus, not just for salvation, but for sustaining their very existence, then a person can learn to be content. Consider what Paul told the church at Philippi:

---

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13

---

Paul said that he had learned no matter what his circumstances to be content. It is also worth noting that Paul wrote this letter from prison. When most of us would be complaining about our circumstances, Paul is telling the church in Philippi that they need to learn to be content no matter what is going on in their lives. We love to quote "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", but the context within which it was written is learning to be content. Paul tells the church that through Christ he can learn to be content, no matter what the circumstances in his life are. If he is having medical problems, he can be content. If he is in prison, he can be content. If he is hungry, he can be content. If he has a roof over his head, he can be content. If he has to sleep outside, he can be content. That is what Christ will strengthen him to do.

When I was driving down the interstate, thinking about all that I could do with that money, I was not being content. I was desiring more stuff. The lesson for me was/is that I need to learn to be content.

Father, help me to learn to be content, no matter what my circumstances are. May I trust You to provide for my needs, even when I do not see how. Help me to keep my heart clean so that I never think of the ministry as a means to acquire wealth or possessions. I know this can only be done through a right relationship with You.