Contentment is a biblical expectation, but contentment is not the driving force in contemporary economics. The driving force in our economic system is to get people to spend money.
Commercials, advertisements and companies promise that the next car, phone, tablet or item will make your life easier, better or more fruitful.
I imagine that your experience is like mine.
The next, the new, the better is good for a little while, but it eventually slows down, breaks or loses its novelty. Then we are tempted to try the next new thing.
Paul warned the young pastor Timothy against discontentment, envy and the pursuit of more. One of the signs of personal godliness is the willingness to be content with whatever God has given us and not be driven to pursue more and more and more.
Why does Paul give these warnings and commendations? He wants Timothy and the readers of this letter to know what truly lasts.
Wealth and luxury are fleeting. At best they last a lifetime.
Only what we do with what we have and how we live our lives will last eternally. When we “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness,” we focus on character traits that invest in heavenly rewards.
But let’s not misquote Paul here. Money is not the root of all evil.
Rather, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” If we let money drive us and use us, it becomes our idol. And we don’t have to be super-wealthy for money to become an idol.
Yet, if we use the money (things) God has blessed us with for the pursuit of godliness and God’s glory, then we are making an investment that will last.
Don’t be used by your wealth or desires. Rather, use them for the glory of Christ.
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