DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Godly Contentment
by Elaine Pierce
We've all heard this verse before, haven't we: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." (v. 10) It's easy to rationalize and say, well, that doesn't apply to me. I just want to be comfortable. That applies to other people, people who have lots more than me (there's always someone who has more, isn't there... But let's look at the verses that precede this "famous" one, and see if we can get a fuller picture of what Paul was telling the church at Ephesus, which was mired in heresy rather than focusing on Christ and living a Christlike life.
Paul says in verse 6 that "Godliness with contentment is great gain." He warns his listeners that "people who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." And after the "famous" verse, he urges Timothy, who he has put in charge of righting the church at Ephesus, to "flee from all this [the love of money and the relentless pursuit of it] and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." (v. 11)
How do we pursue godliness with contentment? Faith? Love? Endurance and gentleness? I am not an expert, but I know that surrounding myself with people who love Jesus and want to follow him is a good start. If you're not in a small group, I would encourage you to join one. Spend time in the word and in prayer. And listen — listen to what God tells you. He most likely won't shout (although he used a burning bush to get Moses' attention) and he won't force you to obey. But oh, dear friends, what contentment there is when we rest in God's hands and give our time, our talent, and our treasure to him.
Verses 17 - 19 are rich with encouragement, even to those of us who are wealthy. (And, face it, we live in America which is by far the wealthiest country in the history of this planet!)
God will provide everything we need for our enjoyment (paraphrase of verse 18).
A challenge to the rich (yes, that's us). Do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous and willing to share. Look for opportunities - this week - to use your resources for good deeds. If you are looking you will find them.
In this way, (Godly contentment) you will lay up a treasure and build a firm foundation to take hold of the life that is truly life (paraphrase of verse 19). It doesn't get any better than that, does it!
PRAYER
Lord, so often I struggle to be content, and to find my peace and hope in you. I look to money, to prestige, to power. All of that will fade and rust, and only what I give to you will last. Help me this week to put all of that at your feet, and to look to you for contentment, for faith, for endurance, for gentleness. In your holy name, Amen.
