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Balance of Bible Teaching - 1 Tim. 6
Balance of Bible Teaching - 1 Tim. 6
One thing that keeps me constantly in awe of God's word is the balance it shows in dealing with issues. I guess I should not be surprised, knowing that it is God's word. yet, constantly living with men who cannot seem to keep such balance in their teaching.
Money. With the very writing of this word, the struggle begins. Money is neither evil nor good. Money (or its equivalent) is necessary, even for preachers.
· Godliness is NOT to be seen as the means of gaining worldly riches (vs. 5).
· Striving to be rich brings many troubles and pitfalls into one's life (vs. 9).
· Yet, God is said to richly provide us with everything to enjoy (vs. 17).
Those who ARE rich, and yes, there are some among God's people who are rich, are not told to give it all away and live in poverty. [I understand Jesus' statement to the rich young ruler was a unique situation wherein Jesus was addressing that man's moral flaw of being covetous]. Instead, Paul enjoins them to 1) not set their hopes on the uncertainty of such worldly riches, 2) to be rich in good works, and 3) to be generous and ready to share such worldly goods (vs. 17-18).
The very reading of this makes me uncomfortable with my own outlook towards material wealth. Am I content? Would I continue to serve God if I lost it all? Do I desire to have more SO THAT I can give more? Am I jealous of those that do have more? I pray that I can be balanced in my handling of these things. How are you doing with them?
Hugh DeLong
