Timothy and Titus Training 101
Most pastors do not make enough to be “rich” in the world’s eyes, but maybe that’s why the temptation to lust after what you do not have needs to be discussed with advice from Paul to Timothy on what is really importantly…richly simplistically important!
1 Timothy 6, The Message
The Lust for Money
2-5 These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
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.
What do we learn?
–The lust for power and money/riches of people’s attention, wanting more than you have, leads to bad-mouthing and backstabbing, jealousy and envy of those who have it.
–LOVE this phrase…”It’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God”…I will meditate on this all day long. Go deep in our thinking. To believe and do this brings freedom, peace and restores the joy of our salvation!
–Be content with what we have. There is always someone praying for what WE already have. Mm.
–In you are in ministry for the money…you are in MEinstry…what you can get out of it…you will die trying…seriously.
–Live in faith, never give up on God and He will provide where He guides. EVERY. TIME.
Dear Heavenly Father, It is so easy to get caught up in “financial planning”, wondering if we will have enough to live on…then it occurs to us once more. YOU will always be enough as we be ourselves before You. You know our hearts, minds and souls. Know that I love You with all that is within me. Forgive me when I over plan and obsess about the needs only You can provide. Help us all to center all our thoughts on Your rich, abiding simplicity. For it is there we find ultimate peace. This is where I want to live….in peace.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 