“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).
You have heard of the silly stories about men who asked to be buried with their cash so that they “could take it with them.” Or the practice of kings and nobles, being buried with riches, treasure and servants to serve in the afterlife. It is absurd to think any of this has any validity with what we know of death and eternity.
However, this does not change the fact that people make it their life’s purpose to gain material riches. This often leads to strife, sorrow and foolishness. Consider what Jesus said about the rich man who trusted in his possessions, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21).
This is the context Paul is discussing here in 1 Timothy. He speaks of men who are proud, who are corrupt, who are destitute of the truth. He says of them, they “suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (6:5). Here we have individuals who are more concerned with what the world has to offer than what Christ does. They get involved with Christians, but they do it with material motivations. This is greed.
I was told once of a large congregation in west Texas that was known for all of the business deals accomplished in the foyer following worship services. I personally have been approached by a man who wanted to use our relationship as brothers in Christ to further his own business dealings. In effect, to help him make money! BTW, I am not interested in any brother or sister in Christ to approach me to sell Amway!
There is danger in the pursuit of wealth. Those who place a high priority in getting ahead monetarily in life are endangering their souls! Paul wrote, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
In addition to greed and lust, he had previously spoken of their argumentative spirit, their paranoia, their mistreatment of others. A man who pursues riches exhibits character faults that compromise his Christian walk. As Paul wrote, “From such withdraw yourself” (6:5). They not only harm themselves, but their actions are destructive to their brethren as well.
It makes little sense to note what Jesus said about those who are rich — “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’” (Matthew 19:23-24) — and then to pursue exactly that which the Lord warns about. And yet so many do.
Instead, we need to consider Paul’s conclusion, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Our contentment while on earth, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (6:8) in part comes from our desire to be “further clothed” (2 Corinthians 5:4) in eternity.
In preparation for that eternity, Paul contrasts the fleshly greed and corruption with the type of person the Christian should be. “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Rather than earthly riches, the Christian puts value upon spiritual virtues like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. To continue on, Paul calls upon the child of God to obedience. This submissive appeal is based in Jesus as Lord! He is the Christ. He is the blessed and only Potentate (Prince, Royal Master of great authority). He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He alone has immortality.
We speak of course, of His Deity. Jesus is the Son of God, or God, the Son. We ought to be willing to make any sacrifice here on the earth, in order to enjoy the spiritual inheritance that is ours in eternity through our relationship with Christ. Herein lies the question that every person must ask themselves. Where is the greater value? On earth? Or in Heaven? A sober and considered response is what keeps us from greediness, bringing contentment in this life as we look to the next.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26).
