Something that we believe provides stability, comfort, and pleasure, actually, can easily lead to misery, ruin, and destruction.
In 1st Timothy 6:3-21 Paul warns us against the American Dream.
6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Paul is clearly telling Timothy that we must be content. So many are searching for contentment in things of this world. But those things will only briefly give pleasure, which is not true satisfaction. We entered this short life with nothing and will leave with nothing, but we still search and attempt to fulfill our desires with things of this world.
Paul says that all we need are food and clothing for contentment. He says in Philippians 4 that he has even learned to be content when he was in need and when he had plenty. All he needs is Christ. All we need is Christ.
Security, Comfort & Fun
When we are not resting in His love our flesh desires things outside of Christ for fulfillment.
9 “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. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:9
The people of Paul’s time and today, chase the temptation to gain more wealth. Money is what provides security, comfort, and fun things of this world. Right? We are not different today. Maybe the temptations are greater now.
Ruin & Destruction
When people set out to get rich, they fall into a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunged men into ruin and destruction. It doesn’t say they might fall into them, but they will. It is a given. And this leads to ruin and destruction.
So many people today in their career, in business, in politics, and in dealings with others, are led by this lure of riches, which leads to their destruction.
Ø Professionals may fudge on reports to make numbers look better so they can get bigger bonuses.
Ø A business owner can hide income so he will not have to pay so much in taxes. Or they may overcharge a customer.
Ø Politicians lie to get into office or accept money for political favors.
This is clearly an example of how we end up lying and cheating trying to gain more. When we set out to get rich and our main drive is to gain wealth, we will end up doing these things. We have fallen in love with money and the idea that money can provide what nothing else can.
It is progressive. At first it seems innocent and not harmful to anyone. That lusts and greed grows to a point that one will start doing unethical things, which “….plunge men into ruin and destruction.” We see this happen over and over. But we still do not learn.
Ambition is ok. But for what reason are we ambitious? It is great to set out to learn a trade, a profession, or start a business. What is our focus and drive? Is it driven by the money or are we simply following God’s will for our lives?
Paul says “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” “All kinds,” means it affects not only one portion of our lives but all aspects of our lives. This idolatry and greed are like a virus and infects all that we do. It starts with a little lie and then leads to multiple lies to cover up the others. It impacts on our jobs, our businesses, our marriages, and our relationships with friends and family.
He continues to tell Timothy
“ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain but to put their hope in God, which richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Wealth is not bad, in and of itself. Paul’s ministry was supported by faithful believers that gave out of their poverty and wealth. Jesus’ body was buried in a tomb purchased by Joseph, a “rich man from Arimathea.” But it is so easily to let money become our idol, for different reasons, such as comfort, security, and selfish endeavors. We can easily put our hope in riches rather than in God.
In a 2011 sermon John Piper said:
The love of money is suicidal. Jesus said it. Paul said it. Judas proved it. Do you love money? Do you want to be rich? That’s what the Bible says: if you want to be rich, you’re on a suicidal track. Money is deadly. I mean money, not just the love of it. It’s deadly. We have to handle it; we have to make it; we have to use it — but like fire in our hands.
How are we going to use the income and assets for which we have been entrusted? Holding onto to money can prove deadly and destructive.
When we are resting in the love of Christ, the love of Christ flows from us. The financial fruits of our labor will be used to magnify Christ and share His love with others.
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