1 Timothy gives us excellent instruction for our daily lives.  Let us read 1 Timothy 6:1-11.  “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed.  And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.  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; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  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.”

Chapter 6 begins with instruction for workers to honor their bosses instead of despising them.  If anyone teaches differently, then verses 4 and 5 say that he is proud “and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness.”  We are to withdraw ourselves from those who think that financial gain is equivalent to godliness.  The opposite of this way of thinking is found in verses 6-8.  If you want “great gain” (verse 6), then cultivate godliness and contentment through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.  As we read in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Matthew 6:24 states, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (NASB).

We learn in verse 7 that none of us were born with any money or possessions, and we cannot carry anything with us when we die.  Verse 8 reminds us that we should be content if we have food and clothing.  Verse 9 reminds us that if we thirst for this world’s riches, then we will fall into temptation and hurtful lusts.  Verse 10 reveals that “the love of money is the root of all evil.”  If we love money, then we will give ourselves many sorrows.  Money itself is not evil and can be used for many good things.  However, “the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.”  On the bright side, verse 11 encourages us to flee the love of money and “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

We are not here long, so let us not waste our lives clamoring for this world’s riches.  Let us ‘lay up treasure in heaven’ by honoring the Lord with our lives and seeking His strength to serve Him and do His will.  This will result in much greater gain than this world’s wealth could ever provide.  (203.8)  (DJ)