He (a false teacher) has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words… imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

1 Timothy 6: 4b-8

If you turn on your television or search around the internet, it is not too difficult to find the kind of false teacher Paul warns of in the verses above – people who teach that following Christ is some kind of formula to financial gain. But Paul correctly reminds Timothy (and us) that possessions are temporary. We don’t get to take our toys to the grave, but how do we achieve contentment so that we can be truly thankful for the blessings of God in our lives?

Paul answers that question in the verses that follow from 1 Timothy 6: 17-19:

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

• Set your hope only on God (v. 17)
• Be rich in good works (v. 18)
• Be generous and ready to share (v.19)

Taking hold of that which is “truly life” is found in being dependent on God and practicing generosity. Today you will have an opportunity to be generous to someone. Get ready to respond.