It Starts Small

 ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. ⁸ If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

 But godliness with contentment is great gain

One time, someone earnestly asked me, “If I believe in Jesus, what do I get?” He was fervently searching for reassurance. He hoped that following Jesus might lead him to a better job. He wished for greater wealth or even riches beyond his wildest dreams. This question exposes the same insidious trap that the false teachers in the previous verses fell into. Sadly, many individuals see religion only as a way to accumulate wealth. They miss the profound depths of faith. They overlook its true, transformative power.

Paul says that in fact being godly does result in great gain, but that gain is not material. So what does someone who is godly gain?

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IF you are working alongside with the journal, you will find a page titled “Great Gain”. Take a moment to ponder what the Lord gives you outside of physical gain. You can download the individual worksheet below.

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Here is my list of the wonderful Great Gains from the Lord:

• Good friends (Proverbs 27:17)
• Joy (John 15:11)
• Peace (John 14:27)
• Forgiveness (John 1:12)
• Eternal life (Matthew 25:46)
• Victory (Romans 8:37)
• Security (Proverbs 10:24)
• A clear conscience (Hebrews 13:18)

Money and materials are mere illusions; they cannot offer true contentment or lasting happiness. These treasures spring from a genuine relationship with God—nothing less will suffice! Whenever someone seeks to take shortcuts or forge their own path to happiness, they are destined to fail. The quest for joy must be rooted in faith; that is where true fulfillment lies!

All the money in the world cannot buy happiness.

we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out

You cannot take your extravagant cars or cutting-edge electronics with you when you pass from this world. Luxurious golf clubs and sprawling mansions cannot accompany you. Not even the very clothes on your back can accompany you. Your soul departs, leaving all earthly possessions behind. This stark reality compels us to adopt a long-term perspective. We must challenge ourselves with the vital question: “Will what I’m doing now matter a century from today?” Jesus taught us not to hoard treasures on this fleeting earth. Moth and rust will inevitably consume them. Stock markets are volatile and can collapse. Thieves lie in wait to rob. Even if you strive to safeguard your wealth, you cannot transport it to eternity.

We have a glorious opportunity to invest in God’s kingdom with our time and resources right now! By doing so, we are actively building treasures in heaven that will last for eternity. Let us not squander our money on fleeting desires but passionately consider how we can further God’s kingdom with it! We can ardently support missionaries. We can generously contribute to church planting and discipleship. We can dedicate our precious time to ministering to our families. We can also serve God both in and out of church, rather than merely accumulating endless hours of overtime.

If we have food and clothing

Paul passionately reveals the fundamental needs of life, which are astonishingly fewer than what the majority deem essential. Today’s world stands in stark contrast, as people possess and demand so much more. It’s disheartening that most individuals scarcely pause to acknowledge and cherish the simple yet profound gifts around us. These gifts include the flow of running water and the pulse of electricity. Instead, society has placed a fervent emphasis on having a charged cell phone. Fast internet has been elevated to the status of life’s utmost priorities, making these luxuries seem indispensable!

We must cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Parents should inspire their children to cherish the countless blessings we often take for granted. Let’s not focus on the latest trends and material possessions. Instead, let us dedicate our time to wholeheartedly thank God for the abundance we already possess. In your prayers, pause to express sincere gratitude for the gifts in your life, especially those you might overlook. Moreover, reflect on the countless individuals around the globe who grapple with basic needs. What meaningful actions can you take to extend a helping hand to those who are genuinely in need?

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation

Note that Paul does not vilify the pursuit of wealth; he does not condemn the very essence of being rich! He is not advocating for some socialist or revolutionary uprising against the affluent. Instead, he passionately addresses the true motivations and heart attitudes of individuals. A person who fixates on worldly riches will inevitably stumble into temptations. Their insatiable greed may lead them to sin in countless destructive ways.

The allure of wealth can lead him to compromise his values. He might do things he never would have contemplated otherwise. Consider an individual whose deepest longing is to honor God. Such a person would never stoop to dishonesty just to save a few dollars. In stark contrast, one who is consumed by the desire for riches would think nothing of it. A devoted seeker of God would never dream of falsifying documents. However, a greedy soul certainly would.

We inhabit a world relentlessly consumed by the pursuit of wealth. How can you break free from this overwhelming distraction? How can you ensure that your heart beats for the right reasons? How do you determine if sacrificing your precious time on endless overtime is worth it? Is it truly worth it for that elusive promotion or just to keep your job?

the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil

We stand at a crossroads: to love God or to love money. Choosing the latter can plunge us into a pit of despair, leading to a cascade of misguided choices. Take a moment to pen down the myriad evils that spring forth from a heart devoted to the pursuit of wealth:

• Choosing the pursuit of wealth and relentless work over the warmth of family bonds.
• Engaging in the treachery of tax fraud or evasion.
• Upholding dishonesty in business dealings or negotiations.
• Embracing a heart of selfishness, indifferent to others’ needs.
• Harboring envy that poisons the spirit and relationships.
• Clutching onto stinginess, unwilling to share one’s fortunes.
• Manipulating others to shoulder the burden of costs, lacking integrity.
• Falling into the trap of shopping addiction or chasing fleeting fads.
• Succumbing to the perilous thrill of gambling.
• Prioritizing profit at any cost, casting aside ethics in the world of business.
• Fostering competition and conflict with peers instead of nurturing mutual respect and encouragement.

How can you use your money to serve God?

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Cross-References

• Hebrews 13:5
• Matthew 6:24
• Ecclesiastes 5:10
• Luke 12:15
• Proverbs 22:1
• Philippians 4:19

Discussion Questions

• Can you think of any time in the Bible where a person is commended for pursuing money? What about where a person is condemned for loving money too much (young ruler, Elisha’s helper?, Achan)?
• How does the Bible say we should use money? What is its purpose? (Luke 16:9)
• What should our attitude be towards money?
• Why do people want to make more money?
• Looking at verse 8, is their any situation in life where it might be OK to be discontent?
• What kind of sins spring from a love of money?

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