Bible reading: 1
Timothy 6:3-11
3 If any
man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even
the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing
nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words,
whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute
of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself. 6
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food
and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they
that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction
and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root
of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred
from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these
things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.
We now start examining some of the areas of life into which we are
led by God in order that He might make our lives more fruitful and
profitable to Him.
First we focus upon the problem of cramped financial
circumstances. No one can deny that money plays an enormous part
in our lives. It was Balzac who said more than a century ago:
"The final battle for Christian discipleship will be over the
money problem: till that is solved there can be no universal
application of Christianity."
It comes as a great surprise to many new Christians that the Bible
talks a good deal about money, and more than one preacher has
pointed out that when Jesus was here on earth, this was one of the
subjects He talked about most. One of the most interesting aspects
of money to a Christian is that through either the giving or the
withholding of it, God is able to steer our lives into the areas
in which He wants us involved.
Do you find yourself in financial straits at the moment? Does your
bank account need month-to-month resuscitation? Then don't panic -
God may be allowing this financial stringency in order to teach
you some valuable lessons about Himself.
Thousands of Christians will testify that God has no more certain
way of getting our undivided attention than by withholding money
or putting us into tight financial circumstances. How strange that
when our pockets are full, often God has to shout to get our
attention, but when they are empty, we are alert and ready to hear
His faintest whisper.
Prayer:
O Father, if it is true that the final battle for Christian
discipleship will be over the money problem, then help me resolve
this issue once and for all in these next few days. Help me to
make whatever I own the instrument of Your purposes. Amen.
Further study:
James 5:1-5; Eccl. 5:10; Jer.17:11
1. What is avarice?
2. What is the lesson of the partridge?
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