1 Timothy 6:3-10 With These We Will Be Content

Paul addresses one of the hidden motives of false teaching; money. It is the hidden motive for so many things. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (verse 10a).

In the very first sentence of our reading I thought Paul was going to talk to Timothy about another practice he wanted the church to follow; “Teach and urge these things” (verse 2b). But then he took a right turn and started talking about false teaching/doctrine. I did not see that coming.

I pray I’m don’t fit into Paul’s description of those Timothy was to avoid. I DO NOT like or want controversy or quarrels. I also hate friction. That being said, I like to hear others’ views and opinions on the word. I’m certain not everyone agrees with my “interpretations” and I have problems with some doctrines being taught. My goal and heart’s desire though is to speak only Jesus’ truth in every form.

I am going to confess that I look at the viewership numbers on my site on a fairly regular basis. I am interested to know if anyone is actually even reading what I put out there. Not because I think I should be famous or believe I’m an authority. I simply don’t want to feel alone. I want to know that somewhere my words MIGHT be touching someone’s heart, good or bad. My numbers are very small but there are others out there sharing what I write and for that I’m grateful and hopeful. Grateful for the company and hopeful that God uses my words somehow.

Ok, I’m getting off target. Paul turns to the motives of the false teachers. He lays the blame at the feet of greed. Those teaching false doctrines, in his day, were doing so in order to gain power and money. I understand the power part easily as they were trying to get a following of people committed to their beliefs. I suppose the money part came along with that following.

This turn in Paul’s message brought home to me today something I’m going through with this site. In internet terms, I’m trying to get a following. Recently I had a company contact me about getting my site linked up with other social media platforms. This was to increase my audience and eventually bring revenue from my blog. Honestly, generating revenue was one of the reasons I started this blog but that didn’t pan out at all. My heart became connected to sharing while the caring about making anything from our time disappeared.

This company offered me an opportunity to bring “sponsors” to my site to generate revenue and I was actually considering it. I discussed it with my husband. I explained that doing so at this point in our lives would prepare me for when he is taken home with the Lord. My income will stop upon his death and I thought building my site might be how God was going to care for me in that eventuality. And it is an eventuality that I believe is not too many years in the future; however I’m NOT rushing it!!!

But I feel like God told me “no” on that today in our reading. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (verse 9).

I’ve felt some of that destruction when I tried “getting ahead” before. It HURT and didn’t work! I won’t go there again. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (verse 6). That is where I want to live; in His hands and according to His will. I won’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. I actually “laid a fleece” on this matter. God just reminded me of that fact and that the conditions outlined didn’t happen, so I have my answer.

Thank You Father that I can trust You to care for me even when I don’t have a clue what is coming next. Thank You that I have plenty. Thank You that I can even help my children and others from what You have provided for us. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow because YOU hold tomorrow in the palm of Your hand.

Forgive me Jesus for ever trying to “make a buck” off Your story. It is Yours to tell and mine to freely share. Can You give me direction on the book You gave me too. Do You want me to put it back up for anyone to access or try and publish it so others can read it who might never come here? Please let me know Your will. I will follow it wherever You lead.

Father God, am I too proud of the stories You have shared with me? I LOVE the first person stories You inspired. They call to my heart and help me feel as if I’m walking beside Jesus as He went through this life. I WANT others to read them and have that same kind of encounter through the words You placed in me. Is this wrong? If so, please forgive me. If not, help me know how to share the stories that have moved me so much. Your will Lord, not mine. Show me Holy Spirit in a way I can not miss.