“Money, money, money”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, June 1, 2024
1 Timothy 6: 6-21 (Forward, p. 34) CEV p. 1247
Too much or too little: either way it is the bane of our existence. Interestingly, the apostle Paul launches forth on the subject, here in his letter to Timothy, not once but twice.
First off, he sets the record straight about money and wealth in general. Contrary to what some persons think, both then and now, religion is not supposed to make us rich in any literal sense. (So much for the health and wealth gospel presently espoused by some!). It does make us rich, but only in a spiritual sense, namely, by making us content with what we have. So, we should be satisfied just to have the basics, rather than wanting more. Those who want to be rich find themselves in all sorts of trouble. As the often-misquoted phrase says, ‘The love of money is the root of all evil.’ Sadly, however, this is not the way of our world. Everything in it, whether it be the media, advertising, investment firms, or government, teaches us, prompts us, to be dissatisfied and to want still more.
Then, in his second go-round on the subject Paul speaks on our use of worldly wealth. He implores us, firstly, to trust in God rather than in this world’s wealth that is so fleeting and unreliable. And he challenges those who do have worldly goods, wealth of any sort, to use it for the public good. In other words, to be generous and share it, thereby helping others. That, he says, will lay a solid foundation for the future. Indeed, as Jesus says, it lays up for us a treasure in heaven.
Having said all this, I must confess that Paul would not be very popular with many listeners, should he have dared to preach such things in our churches. If there is one thing that we do not like brought up, it is the subject of money or wealth. Nevertheless, it is helpful, and beneficial to our souls, to be reminded of two things. Firstly, on the one hand, to be reminded of the beguiling allure of money and of worldly wealth in general. So easily are we tempted to see them as all important, hold on to them tenaciously, and depend upon them. And secondly—on the other hand, to be reminded of the usefulness of money, how it can so easily be used for good causes and bettering the world in general. And so, like all of God’s gifts they are meant to be used and enjoyed, yes, but also for the benefit of others. Thanks be to God for all such gifts. Amen.
Forward notes: “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment (verse 6).
“Paul writes, ‘In their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.’ At church, I was on the vestry and taught Sunday school, but these roles were driven more by pride than faith. I was good grain choked by weeds.
“My wife encouraged me to go on a medical mission trip to Haiti. Amid abject poverty, malnutrition, and violence, I witnessed ‘godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.’ Departing from Haiti, I left my belongings behind, including my heart.
“Haiti changed my worldview. People became more important than things. My desire for ‘more’ dwindled, and in its place arose gentleness, gratitude, and contentment. Being good grain for Jesus, and serving others, is when I am most alive, whether pulling weeds in the church garden or revisiting Haiti.:
MOVING FORWARD: “What brings about godliness and contentment in your life?”