Pam Padgett ... teacher
1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
As I read this, I thought of how we are born into this world. We are naked and helpless with no way, of ourselves, to
get even the food and clothing we need. Yet God provides a way for us to be fed and clothed, allowing us to
survive and grow.
Our flesh seeks various riches, trying to lead in a way opposite to the simplicity of being
content with food and clothing and trusting God to provide all of our
needs. Those who follow after riches go in a way of destruction ...
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows.
But we are to go another way, fleeing fleshly lusts and being content
with food and clothing. Rather than following after possessions, we are to follow after things of the Spirit of God ...
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee
these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.
While thinking about these things, I was also reminded of the following teachings of Jesus ...
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where
moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say
unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the
life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of
the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the
field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I
say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,
which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much
more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal
shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles
seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.