Paul changes the subject again and warns against false teachers who do not “consent to wholesome words…of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness” (6:3). At the heart of these false teachers was the disregard for the authority of Scripture and its’ resulting godly lifestyle. They were also “proud…obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings…who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (6:4-5). Paul claims that the false teachers are only using people for a way to get money. With this in mind, he provides some important instruction about a person’s view of money. He writes “godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (6:6-7). A Christian should be satisfied with what he has and recognize that money is only temporary (we cannot take money with us when we die). Instead of wanting more, a follower of Jesus Christ should be content with the basic needs of life because those who strive to be rich place themselves in a precarious situation (6:8-9). A lust for more money is said to bring “temptation and a snare, and into many harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” There is nothing wrong with having money, but “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil….” (6:10a) An obsession with money can lead to a life of sin and destructive behavior. Paul mentions that by the love of money “some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (6:10b). Christians should never get caught up in thinking that if they had a little more money, they would be happy. Money does not bring happiness; in fact, Paul says it can bring “many sorrows.” As a follower of Christ, do not allow money to become your obsession. Be satisfied with what you have even if it is a little. When you entered the world you did not own one thing and when you leave, you will leave with nothing. Life is not a quest for more things, but a journey of being content with what you already possess.
Dear God, I need Your help in having the right view of money. May I not love money or be obsessed with acquiring it, but rather help me to be satisfied with what I already own.
