Reading

• 1 Tim. 1:1-6:21

Devotional

Apparently, after two years in house arrest, Paul was released. The Scriptures don’t record the details, but the early part of Paul’s first letter to Timothy indicates that Paul has traveled back to the Macedonia region, and has left Timothy in Ephesus, which is where Paul sends the letter known as 1 Timothy. Timothy has taken on the role of an evangelist, one who preaches and teaches Jesus Christ to others. This letter contains instructions for how Timothy needed to carry out his role and things he was to teach the Christians there.

For our devotional today, let’s focus on some of the final instructions Paul gives regarding what’s most important in this life.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses…

¹⁷ 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. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ 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. 
(1 Tim. 6:6-12 NIV)

It’s not wrong to have money; we need money to live. But our love and devotion needs to be towards GOD, relying upon Him to provide for our needs and thanking Him for giving us whatever possessions and money He gives.