1 Timothy 6:10-12, “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. But you man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
I admit I sometimes focus more on the blessings than the one who blesses. What glorifies God is more important than whatever benefits of “things” come my way. Having contentment cannot be bought. Paul is a prime example of a man that had acquired contentment as he testified in Philippians 4:11-13, “. . . for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . .” He could keep it all in perspective because his heart was fixed on keeping eternity’s values in view.
Warren Wiersbe stated in 2007, that “The economic and energy crisis that the world faces will probably be used by God to encourage people to simplify their lives. Too many of us know the “price of everything and the value of nothing.” The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 1 Timothy 6:10, page 768. I find that statement interesting and fitting for 2022. Wouldn’t you agree?
We will always want more. Possessions will never give complete satisfaction. Instead, Paul taught that we all need to pursue and value righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These are lasting and give eternal satisfaction. They do not have a price tag and require action on our part. It takes discipline, patience, endurance, and being obedient. As a Christian, we need to be engaged in striving earnestly in increasing the following:
- Righteousness – Conformity to the will of God.
- Godliness – “Reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one’s conduct. Godliness depends on knowing God’s revealed truth.” www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary.
- Faith – Requires trust in believing God will do what He says. Jesus teaches and gives a tender rebuke for worry, for anxiety, “Oh you, of little faith!” in Matt. 6:30 and Luke 12:28.
- Love – Seeking the welfare of all and looking for opportunities in doing good to all unselfishly and ready to serve. Kindness.
- Endurance – Being steadfast, patient, internal fortitude, withstanding and enduring a difficult process or situation without giving up. Having persistence, tenacity, and staying power to withstand stress and hardships.
- Gentleness – Requires kindness, the goodness of heart, gracious, not acting or sounding harsh, and showing empathy. Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” God teaches and corrects us with gentleness, and is a fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
Pursuing these six areas takes work, training, maybe sacrificing on our part, and continuing to do what we know is right despite circumstances. 1 Timothy 6:12 concludes this instruction from Paul to Timothy, as he stated, (The Haweis New Testament version): “Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life . . .” Then The Message version states it this way, 1 Tim. 6:10-12, “Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” The lesson here is to be content. Does your ambition have anything to do with covetousness? Pursuing success can be an idol. Don’t let the enemy cloud your thinking. Keep focused on the fact that God sees you, He knows your name, and Jesus Christ could come back today!
Listen to King & Country – For God Is With Us (Official Music Video 9/24/2021).