"Riches I Heed Not"

The Lord Jesus faced opposition from religious people during his lifetime. It was no different for his disciples. There will always be people who stray from the truth and cause destruction. Paul’s analysis in this passage suggests that often what lies behind disagreements is not truth but character.

Notice what Paul says about people who disagree in verses 4 and 5. They exhibit pride, they enjoy an argument (and presumably like to come out on top), but it’s all words. They undermine unity and cause division. It’s nasty, and you leave feeling bruised.

Perhaps worst of all in this case is their motivation for self-enhancement. They want to be rich. It’s a warning to us. When we feel we are defending the truth, it’s worth putting our motives under the microscope as well as reflecting on the consequences of our actions. What really lies behind our crusade? How are we treating our neighbour?

After that damning accusation, Paul focuses on temptations around money and wealth. You’ve been hibernating if you’ve not run across a Christian leader caught in this particular trap! It’s prevalent and grieving. The godly leader’s trademark is contentment (6-8). The constant drive to better our position, improve our standing and lifestyle, increase our income, and bolster our security is fed by media bombardment. Contentment is a choice.

Contentment derives from understanding true riches (v 6) and eternal consequences (v 7). I immediately think of colleagues who take massive cuts in salary to come and work for a church or Christian organization. They believe this stuff rather than just talk about it! The alternative is to open ourselves to nothing less than destruction (v 9). Putting wealth first destroys our dependence on God, skews our view of others, and ultimately ruins our inner life.

Respond in Prayer

Lord God, You are good to us. Everything good we have is from you. You did not even spare your own Son, but gave him for us. Save me from absorption with my needs. Today, help me find contentment in you so that my mind can be directed to others’ needs. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Andy Bathgate

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).