All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:1-10 NLT
Are you content with Jesus? That sounds like a simple question, but it cuts into the core of our hearts.
Your calendar and bank account reveal your priorities more than your words. We love to say what is most important to us, but most of us have a hard time lining up our actions with our words. These verses remind us that the goal of life is not to make money – the goal is to be close to God. We need more contentment, not more stuff. Any time we pursue more than what we need, we are causing damage to our souls and enslaving ourselves to our own desires. Money is not evil, but the love of money is the root of much evil (v.10) – so make a commitment to be content.
Be content not to win every argument, making a commitment to not squabble over words and meaningless debates. We sometimes want to win more than be caring. Pick your battles and be content. The Bible is not for slavery, but the early Christians weren't ready to start a social revolution (and Roman slavery, while not good, was not the same as American slavery). Paul advised slaves to respect their masters and honor the name of Jesus.
How would you rate your contentedness? How can you have Kingdom ambition while being content with attention, appetites, money, and possessions?
