1 Timothy 6 -- It's a Trap!

The discussion question this week is about what we can do to remember the eternal in the midst of our earthly lives.

I was happy to be a part of an interesting conversation. Some of the answers were:

• A general acknowledgement that everything we have is from God 
• Spending time in creation, and specifically at the beauty and vastness of the sky
• Looking toward God when we have utterly failed and need his forgiveness
• Seeking his help when those that we care about are in trouble

And I would add, singing songs of praise. Music is a spiritual thing for me, and the way that is pulls the lid off the world and directs my attention toward God is really amazing.

Digging in:

We are finishing up the book of 1 timothy. Chapter 6 has some summary things and some notes in it, but it is interesting how practical much of the advice here is.

I especially want to focus on the two ways of living that God describes in the middle of the chapter.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

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. 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.”

-1 Timothy 6:6-10

I think that it is really interesting thing to think about how this section of Scripture calls out attention to the trap of collecting wealth as a means to happiness.

So if there is a flashing light on worldliness warning us that it is a trap, you would think that we would avoid it. But our culture has gotten so used to the trap that it is portrayed as the only way that things can work.

So many times I have heard my own Christians friends, (as well as my own actions) declaring that “we do live on earth after all,” and that “money doesn’t grow on trees.” So we "have to think practically.” And by that we mean a little selfish greed is what Capitalism is built upon, and it is the only way to stay afloat in this world.

So, to me that way of thinking is like walking up to the trap, knowing it is a trap, and putting out hand in it anyway, because we are hungry for some cheese. Then we just suck it up, and deal with the pain, and act like it was the only option.

But Paul and God give Timothy a different picture: he said previously, “if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.” And than later he says:

“But you, man of God, flee from all this (the trap), and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

-1 Timothy 6:11

God is telling us that we do not have to give in to the trap of worldliness. He doesn’t say that we cannot be rich, but he does make it very clear that our motivations must not be so selfish as to do things in order to get rich.

“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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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 Timothy 6:17-19

Reflection:

What is more difficult for you to do, to let go of your possessions and “be generous and willing to share” them,

Or not to “put your hope in wealth” when it comes to making big decisions about your future?

Who in your life serves as a “Paul,” warning you when you are guilty of chasing money as a route to happiness, or encouraging you to live life in selfless service?

If there is someone in your life that you can be a Paul to, don't be embarrassed or afraid.