Faith Distracted by the Love of Money

Jesus and the Just Reign of God
Live Justly in the Reign of God
Treat Everyone Equally

1 Timothy 6:6-12

The Message (MSG)

^6-8 A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.
^9-10 But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.

Running Hard

^11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses

For Reflection

Let's just clear the air on this point!  Money is not inherently evil.  It is not a sin to be rich!  For that matter, neither is it a sin to be poor.

What is a sin, however, is to let the love of money drive your life.  It separates you from God.  That is the sin. 

Pray

for those whose passion for money corrupts their souls.  Pray that they will find the value of active compassion, living a God-centered life.  Pray that they will see clearly the value of pursuing economic and social justice.  Pray that you will pursue a righteous life in humble service to God.