1 Tim 6:6-19 for Sunday, September 30, 2007

Translation:
(6)And godliness is a means of gain with contentment. (7)For we bring nothing into the world, so we can carry nothing out. (8)But having food and clothing, [with] these we will be satisfied. (9)But the one who wishes to be rich falls into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires, that drowns people into irreparable loss. (10)For the source of all evil is the love of money. Some, being eager for it, wander away from the faith and they pierce themselves with much pain. (11) But you, oh man of God, flee this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love , patient endurance, gentleness. (12)Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life, into which you were called and confess the good confession before all witnesses. (13)I command you before God who preserves all life and Christ Jesus who testified before Pontius Pilate the good confession, 914)to keep the commandment pure, without reproach, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15)which he will show at the appointed time -- the blessed and only ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords, (16)he alone has immortality, living in unapproachable light, which no person has seen nor is able to see, to him be honor and eternal dominion, amen. (17) To the rich in the present age, command them not to be arrogant, and not to have hope in uncertain wealth but in God who gives us everything abundantly for pleasure, (18) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing, (19)acquiring as a treasure for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they may seize the real life.

This scripture speaks a difficult word about wealth. It asks us to do the reverse of what seems logical. Everything around us tells us that we must have more money. Without more money, you can't have vacations, the best schools for children, bigger homes, nicer clothes, good retirement packages. Searching out the best investment plans is wise, we are told. Saving money is good.

But is it really? Surely a "rainy day" fund cannot hurt, but what happens when we become earnest for money, greedy with our own desires. Will we enjoy life more? Will we like ourselves better? Will we have better friends?

This scripture says that a love for money isn't worth the time. Money cannot give eternal life. In fact, striving for money will only cause pain. "Irreparable loss." The Greek there is a juxtaposition of terms meaning "destruction," "ruin." When Greek piles up terms like this, the meaning gets more intense. Desiring wealth and material gain causes people to drown in irreparable loss. The only thing worth striving for is a deep, personal relationship with God.

You'll notice, however, that the scripture never says that money itself if a bad thing. It never calls rich people sinners. That's because none of those things are true. It is those who wish to be rich, desire wealth, strive for money that risk falling into temptation. That is to say, a rich person can still have a deep relationship with God and good perspectives on what to do with wealth, but with wealth comes the risk of temptation.

What the scripture says instead is that it would be better to strive for things like gentleness, righteousness, godliness, love. These things bring the kingdom of God closer to fruition. In fact, storing these things up (as you would save your money) ensures a sturdy foundation (nest egg? 401k?) for the future. In other words, despite what the media tells you, money cannot buy you freedom. In fact, striving for money is likely to bind you into all kinds of freedom-sapping temptations. On the other hand, striving for righteousness, godliness, gentleness, love and patient endurance can lead to true life.

The fact of the matter is, even though the Gospel asks us to do things that seem contrary to our human nature and are difficult or even seem impossible in our culture, it is really meant to give freedom. All the laws of Israel and all the teachings of Jesus may seem like an impingement, but really they free us to be the people God created us to be. You were not created to love money, and trying to do so will only create grief and pain in your life. You were created to love God. So, put your time and energy into the things that are life giving and life sustaining!