22 September 2023
But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
From 1 Timothy 6:2-12, NRSV
In this final chapter of the letter from Paul to his younger friend Timothy, he addresses some of the ways in which contentment in life may be found. One of the ways he addresses concerns attitudes towards money or finances. Paul does not say that money or wealth is inherently evil but that the love of money can tempt people into all sorts of sin. For Paul, contentment lay in part in the realisation that wealth and material possessions could be used generously for the glory of God rather than for one’s own benefit.
- Why do you think that Paul wanted to pass on this message to Timothy?
- How can we ensure that our wealth and material possessions are used for good?
Pray today for those who are materially wealthy but lacking in contentment. Pray also for those who lack the basics needed to live safe and healthy lives and for a more just sharing of the earth’s resources.
