Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

1 Timothy 6:3-19
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 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.
10 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.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 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.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.



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, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)



Recently when I walked to a restaurant counter to pay for my meal, I saw a sign that shocked me. Printed on the sign were the words, “In Money We Trust.”

Paul gave a warning in his letter to Timothy about the pitfall of loving money. Some of us may already have experienced the emptiness of such misplaced trust. Others may think that wealth can buy solutions to all our problems. However, if we believe what the Bible says, we know that money cannot deliver us from our problems. Whether we are rich or poor, our problems can be overcome only when we admit our helplessness and turn to God.

Before I entered seminary, I bought an apartment with a housing loan. Later, the interest rate increased and began to deplete my savings. When I prayed and asked God for wisdom, I was prompted to talk to the banking officer in charge of my loan, and he suggested refinancing it. Following this advice, I managed to repay the loan with my savings until I graduated.

From this incident I learned that God is faithful and can be trusted, no matter what. By taking steps of faith, such as praying and seeking God’s help and wisdom, we can experience renewed life.



Prayer: Strong and loving God, help us to trust you completely. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who trust money

Thought for the Day: In God we trust.

Story shared by: M. Ling (Singapore)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 11/29/11