Be Content
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are everything and worthy of all my devotion. Thank You for all You have poured out. Help me hold back nothing.
Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10
[3] If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. [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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does your spending say about your values?False teachers (1:3,4; 4:1,2) are stirring up trouble in the church (4) and finding ways to “get rich quick” out of what they do (5). So Paul grabs the moment to teach about right attitudes toward possessions.Let’s get practical. Fetch your wallet or purse. Dump out any bills or coins you have in it, and then spread out your debit and credit cards. Spend a few silly moments telling them all: “I don’t love you. I really don’t.” Now read verses 6 to 10 again. This isn’t advice to the rich but to the not-so-wealthy who are trying to be “godly.” That’s probably you and me! Jot down what these two sets of verses say about us and material possessions: verses 7 and 8 and verses 9 and 10. Fold up your jottings and place them in your purse or wallet to remind you. Some Christians I know don’t ask “How much money can I get?” but instead “How little can I get by with?” That’s their guiding principle for keeping things in perspective.
Apply
Journal about your spending. Talk to God about what needs to be set right in your heart and follow his leading.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You are all I need. You make every provision for my life. I trust in You.
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