Reading:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For
we brought nothing into this
world, and
it is
certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us
be therewith content. But 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. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee
these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a
good profession before many witnesses.
Commentary:
We don't have to be rich, well off, or comfortable to experience
this "love of money which is the root of all evil." We can
be poor or struggling to pay our bills, and still suffer from the
love of money. We always imagine if we had more money, things would
be better. Our nature is that we are never satisfied and content
with what we have. Even worse, not only do we take God's blessings
for granted, but we sinfully look at what our neighbor has, and we
want it. God however says, "Thou shalt not covet" and also
"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou
set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward
heaven." Lest Satan overthrow us by this love of money (as he
has overthrow many before), let us repent of this sinful love of
earthly wealth. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and
follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness." Here we covet good spiritual gifts from God, which
even now we possess by faith. Godliness is to live a godly life of
obedience by faith. Patience is always important and much needed in
trials. Meekness is not just genuine humility (thankfulness to God
in spite of our not meriting any blessing), but it is that spirit
which willingly submits to the many injustices in this life,
understanding God is above and over it all. The only "riches"
then which we need is Christ, His forgiveness of all our sins, and
grace to overcome all. We fight the good fight of faith, when we
patiently endure all trials which can only be for our good, and we
continue to fight and battle against the old man within, resisting
his evil impulses, repenting when we yield, seeking God's mercy
daily. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye
through his poverty might be rich."
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