1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is a great gain.
As you read this verse, I invite you to join me in a moment of meditation. Godliness is defined by religion or religious group according to their human understanding of the Word of God. As I study different characters in the Bible and see the different ways godliness is used throughout the entire Bible, it amazes me to see how lack of contentment drives people to want more, which often leads people away from God. Studying Timothy chapter 6 is one of many examples of how this world adversary (Satan) uses earthly wealth to manipulate us into believing that earthly gain equals power and that God is working in your life. I believe there are many people the devil has blinded to believe they are right with God because of their success.
In the beginning of the year, I was reading several posts by prominent known Gospel singers and speakers, it dawned on me how most of the prayers for others and the world were focused on the manifestation of wealth and material blessings from God. The gospel of wealth and prosperity is one of Satan's number one deceiving spirit in the lives of many who are attempting to lead people to Christ. Having wealth and material things are not the concerns, but the teaching that wealth means God is working in someone's life is so opposite of the Gospel according to Jesus. Jesus warns us not to strive toward earthly wealth that decays but toward heavenly wealth that last forever (Mathew 6:19-21). Scriptures teach us every good gift is from God, that includes wealth. But when wealth status becomes the center of your heart and the root of your personal ministry in Christ, you are entering the enemy's domain. Are you content with what God has bestowed in your life? Paul in 1 Timothy 6:7-9 summarized the Gospel according to Jesus very well for us, "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."
