Loving Money

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV) 

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 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. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 


Reflection

Many of us live our lives scared we won’t have enough, and we sometimes dream about all we would like to acquire. When we obsess over and constantly reach for happiness in worldly things, however, we are often enveloped in clouds of depression, anxiety, and dread. Constantly pursuing and acquiring “more” tends to leave us exhausted and simply isn’t sustainable. Being content in each moment of every day is what brings us true peace, yet we absolutely cannot attain this alone. It’s only when we begin to follow God and engage in a relationship with Him that we start our journey to true contentment.

The external happiness we attempt to secure is out of our control. True contentment comes from God, and we achieve this when we flee the love of money and run steadfastly toward Him. Wealth seems like it solves problems, but desiring wealth above trusting God allows wealth to become an idol in our lives. It’s only by allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and hearts that our desires begin to change and become more aligned with God’s desires. This process cultivates godliness and contentment within us, and as today’s reading states, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (verse 6).

Think of it this way: We are all unique pieces of stained glass. Sunlight shines through the colors and shapes of our lives, and each of us has an exclusive situation. God’s divine light, His Holy Spirit, lives in us. Let go and let Him work in you. Once we realize we are right in the center of God’s providential plan, we can physically feel a supernatural peace come over us. We love more, and we wrap others in gentleness and kindness. We celebrate, rejoice, commit, and grow. 

Before we can change our thinking, we need to pray for drastic change in our hearts. Over and over, the scriptures point us to Him. When our hearts are full of discontent, He is the only way to freedom. Seek after Him with all your heart. 


Action Steps

1. Happiness can wax and wane. Contentment is stable and changes everything! Make a list of things you might need to change in order to become more content. Pray over this list and lean into your relationship with God. Ask Him to help you trust Him more and find contentment. 
2.  Read and contemplate Psalm 40:4-5 (NIV). How do these verses relate to today’s reflection?    

 
Blessed is the one
   who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
   to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, Lord my God,
   are the wonders you have done,
   the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
   were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
   they would be too many to declare.
 

Prayer
  
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word and what You are doing in my life. Guard my heart and constantly remind me to keep my focus on You. Thank You for everything in my life, even the storms. I know you are molding me and making me into a righteous disciple. Remove anything that may come between us. Help me not to desire wealth but contentment in You. I love You! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.