In today’s society, the battle between contentment and the love of money rages on.
Often, we equate wealth with success, not realizing that this mindset can lead us into temptation and a snare.
The Apostle Paul gives us wisdom in 1 Timothy 6:6-12, urging us to understand that great gain is not in worldly riches, but in godliness with contentment.
The Misconception:
Many are seduced by the idea that to “be rich” is the ultimate goal. However, Paul warns, “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9). When money becomes our “little ‘g’ god,” we forfeit our ability to genuinely serve the Almighty God.
The scripture makes it clear: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV). Notice, it doesn’t say godliness ‘and’ contentment; it says godliness ‘with’ contentment. The two are intertwined, inseparable in the Christian walk. Godliness is not just about how we live; it’s about finding contentment in that very way of life, knowing it pleases God. Contentment is our weapon against the lust we have for money.
The Bible gives us three things we must do to overcome the love of money and be content:
Flee:
Paul provides a three-fold strategy to avoid the pitfalls of wealth-seeking: flee, follow, and fight. Starting with, “But thou, O man of God, flee these things” (1 Timothy 6:11, KJV), he encourages us to flee materialism and the love of money. To ‘flee’ means to recognize and distance ourselves from temptations that lure us away from godly contentment.
Follow:
Paul continues, saying to “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11, KJV). Instead of chasing worldly wealth, aim for spiritual treasures—virtues that bring us closer to God and enrich our lives in ways money never could.
Fight:
Finally, Paul calls us to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12, KJV). This isn’t a passive stance but a call to active resistance against worldly temptations through aggressive action in the right direction.
It’s about striving to live a godly life while helping others do the same, never losing sight of the reward that awaits us.
1 Timothy 6:6-12 serves as a reminder that the real war is not about accumulating wealth but in achieving godliness with contentment. We are called to flee from the love of money, follow after righteousness, and fight the good fight of faith. If we do, we will find true satisfaction in life—not through riches, but through our relationship with God.
