The Snare

I Tim. 6:6-8

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

 

 

Paul explains that riches are in reality a great snare producing senseless and harmful desires that result in ruin and destruction. In fact, riches become a craving, perhaps even an addiction. The more that people have, the more they want! What a vicious cycle! But instead  Paul urged them to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love , steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith! This pursuit and fight should be all-consuming in the life of a believer leaving no time for the pursuit of riches. Godliness and contentment go hand in hand. Having the basic essentials like food and clothing should suffice. Sounds simple, but actually it's pretty hard! Since we live in this world, our eyes and senses are constantly barraged with possessions and pleasures. We want to buy into all that is offered; yet not losing out on possessing godliness. Is that even possible? Is our pursuit and fight something that could be two sided? Paul answered these questions when he said, Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of the Lord. And on the off chance that someone is rich, do good, be rich in good works and ready to share. It is only then that they are storing up treasure for the future. Paul ended his words to Timothy by saying, Guard the deposit entrusted to you. I notice that believers are pursuing, fighting, doing, sharing, and guarding instead of passively waiting for this transformation and contentment. The believer's life is filled with the actions necessary to grow godliness and contentment. This great gain is not possessed by fence riding, laziness, or coveting what the world has. Sadly, it is not just the rich that are exposed to this snare. Many times those people who have nothing constantly want more too. Instead of window-shopping at the world's mall, I need to be fighting, pursuing, doing, sharing, and guarding. My desires need to be His as well as my actions.

 

Father,

I know all this in my head, but help me make it a reality in my life. Lead me down the road that ends in great godliness.

In Jesus name,

Amen